HistorIC timeline
1170
‘How the conflict begun’
Henry II of England attempted to attach Ireland to his kingdom. He succeeded to establish control of a small area, known as Pale. Throughout the years this area became the beach-head for Ireland kingdom, adopting English administrative practices, the English language and looking for protection and leadership to London. For the Irish clans, England became the major external threat to their sovereignty and customs.
1609
‘Ulster Plantation’ English rule had established over most of the island of Ireland, with the exception of the northern province of Ulster. After a long and damaging campaign ultimately Ulster was brought under English control. By 1703, less than 5% of Ulster land was still in the hands of the Catholic Irish. The sum of the Plantation of Ulster was the introduction of a foreign community, with different language, culture, including a new type of land tenure and management. Most of the newcomers were Protestants, while the native Irish were Catholics. Thus the wider outlines of the current conflict in Northern Ireland had been sketched out within fifty years of the plantation: the same territory was occupied by two hostile groups, one believing the land had been usurped and the other believing that their tenure was constantly under threat of rebellion.
2019
Nowadays in Northern Ireland there is still a clear division between the two religious groups. Paramilitary-style “punishment” shootings and beatings have surged again across Northern Ireland, with a 60% increase in such attacks over the past four years.
Even though nowadays there are a bold architectural and landmark public buildings, which reflect the power of equality, respect and peace.
Brexit
Northern Ireland since 2016 had to face also the uncertainty created by Brexit. Even though Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, coupled to the rest of the UK, it is being dragged out against its will.
1972
‘Bloody Sunday’ During a peaceful demonstration march, 14 Catholics were killed by soldiers from the British Army. The fights and bombs escalated, violence and killings became the everyday life of the Northern Ireland citizens.
1960
The ‘Troubles’ began! The conflict began during a campaign to end discrimination against nationalist minority by the unionist government and police force. The authorities tried to suppress the campaign and were denounced for police brutality.
1920
‘Northern Ireland Conflict’ In 1920 when Ireland secured its autonomy from Britain. At most of Northern Ireland were Protestants who stay under Britain. Throughout the years after their independence, Protestants secured the best living standards, costing incitement among the Catholics.
1969
‘Peace Lines’ The riots and violence prompted the deployment of British troops. They built ‘peace walls’ to keep the two communities apart. The peace walls are a series of high barriers that separate unionist and nationalists neighborhoods. They have been built at urban interface areas in order to minimize inter-communal violence. https://www.belfastinterfaceproject.org/interfaces-map
1998
‘Good Friday Agreement’ In 1998 a peace agreement was signed for a reconciliation. The agreement included the declaration of ceasefires by most paramilitary organizations, the complete decommissioning of the IRA's weapons, the reform of the police, and the corresponding withdrawal of the British Army from the streets.