Why Study The Troubles in Northern Ireland?

For over three decades, Northern Ireland was torn apart by violence, politics and deep-seated divisions between Unionist and Nationalist communities. Known as The Troubles, this period from the late 1960s to 1998 claimed thousands of lives and left lasting social, political and cultural scars.

Understanding The Troubles is essential for GCSE and A-Level students, historians and anyone interested in modern British and Irish history. This series explores the origins, escalation, political negotiations and eventual peace that reshaped Northern Ireland.

What Will You Learn in This Series?

This 6-part series guides students through the key moments of The Troubles:

• Origins and Causes: Partition of Ireland, Unionist vs Nationalist tensions, early discrimination.
• Escalation of Violence: Civil rights protests, riots, Bloody Sunday, rise of paramilitary groups.
• Politics and Diplomacy: British government involvement, Anglo-Irish Agreement and peace negotiations.
• Peace and Legacy: The Good Friday Agreement, reconciliation and lasting social and political impact.

Each blog breaks down complex events into clear, question-and-answer sections, helping students understand cause, effect and historical context.

Series Blog List

1. Roots of Conflict: Ireland’s Division and the Road to the Troubles
   Discover how partition and community divisions laid the foundation for decades of violence.
2. 1968–1972: Civil Rights, Bloody Sunday and the Descent into Violence
   Explore civil rights protests, early riots and the first major confrontations that sparked The Troubles.
3. The Long War: The IRA, Loyalists and the Struggle for Control
   Learn about paramilitary groups, sectarian violence and the social impact on Northern Ireland.
4. Politics, Peace Talks and the Anglo-Irish Agreement
   Understand how the British government and Irish leaders attempted to create pathways to peace.
5. The Good Friday Agreement: A New Dawn for Northern Ireland
   Examine the landmark 1998 peace agreement and the establishment of a power-sharing government.
6. The Legacy of The Troubles: Memory, Justice and Reconciliation
   Reflect on how Northern Ireland continues to deal with the past and build a shared future.

The Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four: Miscarriages of Justice Explained

Why This Series Matters

Studying The Troubles is not only about history, it is about:

• Understanding modern British and Irish politics
• Analysing conflict, diplomacy and peace-building strategies
• Exploring social and cultural divisions and reconciliation
• Learning from history to inform contemporary issues

This series provides a comprehensive, educational and engaging guide for students, helping them see how events, choices and policies shape society.

Next Blog →

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