The country of Northern Ireland, a constituent unit of the United Kingdom, was created in 1920 under the terms of the Government of Ireland Act. The country shares a border with the Republic of Ireland on the island of Ireland. Its capital is Belfast.
In 1921, when Northern Ireland was established, Ireland was partitioned between Northern and Southern Ireland as a result of the Government of Ireland Act 1920. The south is now called the Republic of Ireland, while the north is called Northern Ireland.
Ireland was one of England's first colonies, and almost from the beginning, the Irish rebelled against England, who they saw as their oppressors.
By the late 1960s, the violence was frequent and obvious. This long-term conflict lasted for almost 30 years and was commonly called "The Troubles." Literally thousands of people on both sides of the conflict were killed by bullets or bombs, and an estimated 50,00 people were physically maimed or injured. And who can measure how many psychological damage, like PTSD?
In 1968, British troops were sent to Northern Ireland in order to protect the republicans, but before long, they were fighting the Irish Republican Army (IRA), a paramilitary group created to fight for a united Ireland as well as other guerrilla and paramilitary groups.
There were two main sides to the conflicts which defined Northern Ireland for decades:
Republicans or nationalists, most of whom were Catholic, believed that Northern Ireland should join a united and independent Ireland.
Unionists or loyalists, who were overwhelmingly Protestant, believed that Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom.
The autonomous Northern Ireland is comprised of six of the nine counties in Ulster, and the breakdown is four counties with unionist majorities (Antrim, Armagh, Down, and Londonderry) and two counties with small Irish republican majorities (Fermanagh and Tyrone).
Operation Demetrius, a British army operation on August 9 and 10 of 1971, involved the arrest and mass internment of 342 people who were suspected of involvement with the Irish Republican Army. Armed British soldiers launched awn raids all over Northern Ireland, causing four days of violence in which 20 civilians, two IRA members, and two British soldiers were killed. All of the people arrested were Irish nationalists. While all this was going on, more than 7,000 people either fled or were forced out of their homes. The policy of internment continued until December of 1975. During those years, 1,981 people were interned. Of those, 1,874 were nationalist and 107 were loyalist. The first loyalist detainees were not interned until February of 1973.
On Sunday morning, January 30, 1972, several thousand people congregated in Londonderry for a civil rights march, specifically protesting internment. Concerned about such a large crowd, the British army sealed off the original route. March organizers led the demonstrators led the march toward Free Derry Corner, where they intended to hold the rally. But some of the people split off from the march and the rerouted route and began to throw rocks at British soldiers who were manning the barriers. The soldiers fired rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the unruly crowd. According to onlookers, the rioting was not intense.
A few people in the crowd noticed some paratroopers hiding in an empty building, and they began to throw rocks at the windows. At 3:55 pm, the paratroopers opened fire on the crowd. When it was all said and done, 26 people were shot by the paratroopers. Thirteen died that day, and another one died four months later of his injuries. Six of the dead were 17 years old. The oldest, John Johnston, was 59 years old. He was shot while on the way to visit a friend.
In response to Bloody Sunday, the British suspended the parliament in Northern Ireland and imposed direct rule from London.
In 1998, after nearly 30 years of violence, the Good Friday Agreement, also called the Belfast Agreement, was signed and was greeted by much of the world with hope. The agreement is considered to have been the end of the Troubles, though violence continues sporadically.
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Recommended Resources
Serves local, and entertainment news focusing on Northern Ireland. Regional sports as well as sports news of interest for those in Northern Ireland, such as sports news involving England, Scotland, and Wales, are also addressed here. Items are offered in both written and video form.
https://www.bbc.com/northernireland
First published in 1999, the magazine serves the Northern Ireland marketplace, particularly readers in senior management positions across the business spectrum, although it is written to appeal to a wide business audience. Previous editions of the publication are archived and available here, along with advertising and subscription data.
http://www.businesseye.co.uk/
Conservatives of Northern Ireland
The official website of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party offers an opportunity to subscribe for updates about the party, which describes itself as a centre-right alternative for people in, from, or otherwise interested in Northern Ireland. Some party news is displayed, and there is an interactive link where one can join the party, renew membership, or donate.
https://www.niconservatives.com/
Hosted by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, this site offers an overview of the country, its culture and heritage, It presents things to do and see, including activities and attractions for the family as well as a directory of accommodations. The reader can browse featured resources by subject categories or check out the interactive map.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/
Located in Glengormley, County Antrim, in Northern Ireland, the chiropractic clinic has been in operation since 1989, offering relief and continued wellness care, utilizing a variety of chiropractic techniques, which are outlined here. Its location, hours of operation, policy information, fee schedules, and an overview of what to expect on a first visit, a second visit, or a typical visit are included, along with patient reviews. Appointments may be requested online.
https://www.glengormleychiropractic.co.uk/
Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland
This non-profit organization is tasked with helping people with leprosy and help to advance their treatment. There is a section designed to enlist help with fundraising, as well as the opportunity to donate one time or to schedule donations. There is a list of resources for schools, youth who suffer from leprosy, and media.
https://www.tlm-ni.org/
The activities of the Assembly are described on its official site, as well as a calendar of scheduled business. In its education section, visitors will find online activities, resources for use in the classroom and information about the Assembly, as well as instructions for scheduling a tour.
http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
Collective organization promoting business in Northern Ireland provides information about various business opportunities in the country. This entity has been in existence for 240 years and its website lists and describes their sponsored events and training for members who wish to enhance their business skills. There is also a directory of businesses active in the area and economic research for local businesses.
https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/
Presents facts about the Northern Ireland government, the ministerial code, various governmental departments, and executive statements and publications. The site also includes news about recent legislation and political developments. It lists and describes its responsibilities, including those of the Northern Ireland Executive itself. Additionally, there is a section of publications and statements and the budget.
https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/
The NIO, which is responsible for Northern Ireland’s constitutional and security issues, such as law and order, political affairs, policing and criminal justice, as well as matters relating to the licensing and legislation concerning firearms and explosives. The site features information about the Office, offers statistics, research about government activity, facts, and resources.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/northern-ireland-office
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the official archive for Northern Ireland collects a variety of government and private records about this territory of the United Kingdom. Assists users who are researching your family history and offers a special section for scholars who are researching history in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the site dispenses details about talks and events as well as history including information about the Easter Rising and Battle of the Somme in 1916.
https://www.proni.gov.uk/
