Present Day Irish History

It is very important to note that the island of Ireland is not one country.  Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland is an independent country.

It wasn't until 1949 that the Irish Free State completely separated from Britain and became what they are today- the Republic of Ireland.

The Troubles.  This was a period of time that largely affected Northern Ireland who had/has a slight Protestant majority with a Catholic minority.

Starting in 1967, being inspired by the African American rights movements in the United States, Catholics in Northern Ireland organized themselves into marches and demonstrations to protest their unequal treatment.  The end goal was to obtain voting rights, more job opportunities and better housing. Protestant Unionist Orange-men counteracted this movement by marching themselves through Catholic neighborhoods as a way to show the dominant rule they had in the country.  This only sparked a series of riots.

1969: Britain sent troops to Northern Ireland to contain the riots.  However, the troops met resistance from the IRA (Irish Republican Army). The IRA fought against the British soldiers from 1970-1990.

Ultimately The Troubles claimed 3,000 lives.

1998: The Good Friday Peace Accord or the Belfast Agreement was put into place thus ending The Troubles. 

Jim Lyons came to speak to my class (CU Denver Study Abroad Ireland) about The Troubles and the United States' role in helping resolving some of the conflict.  This issue held a special place in former President Clinton's heart which is why he asked Jim Lyons to be part of the negotiations.

There are two main aspects to take away from Mr. Lyons presentation.  First, the role of this board was to help facilitate a peaceful agreement between the countries. They also had the goal to help re-build the Irish economy.  The focus here was on bringing in new businesses internationally and to build new businesses within Ireland.  They wanted to create an environment where Irish, regardless of country and religion, could find work. 

The Irish history is long, rich and deep.  It is also incredibly complicated.  I personally grew up with no understanding of the Irish history and I wish that was not the case. There is so much to learn from it.

 *A lot of this information is credited to the Rick Steve's Ireland book.*