Roots of Conflict: Ireland’s Division and the Road to the Troubles

November 9, 2025

Roots of Conflict: Ireland’s Division and the Road to the Troubles

What Were The Troubles and Why Did They Begin?

The Troubles in Northern Ireland were a prolonged period of political conflict, violence and social unrest lasting from the late 1960s to 1998. Over 3,500 people were killed, and tens of thousands more were injured.

How did a small region of the United Kingdom descend into such decades-long turmoil? This blog examines the roots of conflict, exploring the partition of Ireland, sectarian divisions and civil rights struggles that set the stage for the Troubles.

How Did Ireland Become Divided?

The partition of Ireland in 1921 created Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom, while the rest of Ireland became an independent Free State, later the Republic of Ireland.

Unionists: Mostly Protestant, wanted to remain in the UK, dominant in Northern Ireland’s politics.
Nationalists: Mostly Catholic, desired reunification with the Republic of Ireland.

This division fostered long-term social, political and religious tensions, as Unionists often held power in government, law enforcement and employment, leaving Nationalists marginalised.

Educational Insight: Understanding Ireland’s partition is key for GCSE and A-Level students studying modern British history and Northern Irish politics.

What Early Tensions Shaped Northern Ireland Before The Troubles?

Even before the late 1960s, Northern Ireland experienced:

Discrimination in housing and employment: Catholics often faced unequal treatment in jobs and council housing.
Political underrepresentation: Gerrymandering ensured Unionist dominance in local councils, leaving Nationalists politically frustrated.
Sectarian violence: Riots and clashes were common, particularly during marches and religious parades.

These early tensions laid the groundwork for civil rights activism and a later escalation into armed conflict.

What Was the Civil Rights Movement in Northern Ireland?

Inspired by the American civil rights movement, Northern Ireland’s civil rights campaigns in the 1960s demanded:

Equal voting rights and fair elections
End to gerrymandering
Fair allocation of housing and jobs

Key Events:

1968 Derry and Belfast marches: Protesters were met with violent police responses, sparking widespread attention.
1969 riots: Increased clashes led to the British Army being deployed, marking the start of direct military involvement.

The movement highlighted systemic discrimination, but also triggered fears among Unionist communities, creating an environment of mutual distrust.

Who Were the Key Communities and Groups Involved?

Unionists/Protestants: Favoured remaining in the UK; sometimes aligned with Loyalist paramilitary groups.
Nationalists/Catholics: Sought reunification with the Republic of Ireland; later linked to the Provisional IRA.
British Government: Initially neutral but eventually deployed troops and police to contain violence.

These divisions generated mistrust and created the conditions for paramilitary activity and sectarian violence.

How Did Early Violence Lead to The Troubles?

1969–1970: Riots and attacks escalated; the Provisional IRA was formed.
Sectarian killings: Retaliatory attacks between Loyalists and Republicans intensified.
Internment (1971): Suspected paramilitaries were imprisoned without trial, escalating tensions further.

These events show how civil rights activism and political grievances evolved into armed conflict, marking the beginning of decades of unrest.

What Were the Social and Political Impacts of The Troubles?

Segregation: Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods became physically divided by “peace walls.”
Economic decline: Unemployment rose, businesses suffered and urban areas were damaged.
Political stalemate: Direct rule from London became necessary due to local governance failures.

Students can see how long-term conflict affects society, economy and governance, offering lessons for political and historical studies.

“The origins of The Troubles show how history, politics and identity collide. Conflicts like these do not appear overnight; they develop over decades of injustice, fear and mistrust. For students, studying this period demonstrates how social inequalities and political divisions can escalate, and why dialogue, fairness and understanding are essential to achieving peace.”

Matt
Founder, Apollo Scholars