Beginning of the Troubles: communal violence and army deployment to Northern Ireland

The Outbreak of Violence

The year 1969 marked the beginning of a period known as 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland. This era was characterized by communal violence between the Protestant and Catholic communities, culminating in the deployment of the British Army.

The conflict was rooted in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. The majority Protestant community wished to remain part of the United Kingdom, while the Catholic minority sought a united Ireland.

The Spark

The spark for the violence was a civil rights march in Londonderry on October 5, 1968. The march was brutally suppressed by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), sparking widespread riots.

Army Deployment

The situation escalated throughout 1969, culminating in the Battle of the Bogside in August. This three-day riot in Londonderry led to the deployment of the British Army in Northern Ireland.

Key events leading to the deployment of the British Army
Event Date
Civil Rights March October 5, 1968
Battle of the Bogside August 12-14, 1969

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