The Troubles

Quick Facts: Who was The Troubles?

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The Troubles

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An ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland spanning from the late 1960s to 1998.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Troubles (Irish: Na Trioblóidí) were an ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998. Also known internationally as the Northern Ireland conflict, it is usually deemed to have ended with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Although centred in Northern Ireland, violence at times spilled into the Republic of Ireland, England, and mainland Europe. The conflict arose from political and nationalistic disputes with a strong ethnic and sectarian dimension. Unionists and loyalists, mostly Ulster Protestants, wanted Northern Ireland to remain in the United Kingdom, while Irish nationalists and republicans, mostly Irish Catholics, wanted it to join a united Ireland.

Career & Major Achievements

Despite the division between Protestants and Catholics, it was not a religious war. Tensions escalated during a campaign by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association to end discrimination against the Catholic‑nationalist minority. The government attempted to suppress the protests, and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was criticised for sectarianism and police brutality. Loyalists opposed the campaign, believing it was a front for republican activity. The August 1969 riots led to the deployment of British troops, in what became the British Army's longest operation.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

"Peace walls" were built to separate communities, and Catholic support for the Army declined after Bloody Sunday in 1972. The main participants included republican paramilitaries such as the Provisional IRA and INLA, loyalist paramilitaries such as the UVF and UDA, British state forces including the British Army and RUC, and political activists. The conflict involved guerrilla and bombing campaigns, sectarian tit‑for‑tat violence, feuds within and between paramilitary groups, counterinsurgency operations, incidents of collusion, riots, mass protests, civil disobedience, and the creation of temporary no‑go areas. More than 3,500 people were killed, of whom 52% were civilians, 32% were members of the British security forces, and 16% were members of paramilitary groups. Republican paramilitaries were responsible for 60% of total deaths, loyalist paramilitaries for 30%, and security forces for 10%.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1969: 1969 Milestone — The August 1969 riots led to the deployment of British troops, in what became the British Army's longest operation.
2. 1972: 1972 Milestone — "Peace walls" were built to separate communities, and Catholic support for the Army declined after Bloody Sunday in 1972.
3. 1998: 1998 Milestone — The Troubles (Irish: Na Trioblóidí) were an ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: The Troubles

True or False: “The term 'Troubles' was exclusively used in the 20th century to describe the conflict in Northern Ireland.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The word 'troubles' has been historically used by various parliaments, including English and Irish bodies, to refer to conflicts dating back to the 17th century.

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Troubles