Conflict

The Troubles was a period of Irish history from the late 60s to early 90s that consisted of Irish Nationalists and Ulster Unionists being in sporadic conflict. 3,500 deaths have been counted from the conflict, and it came to a close with the Good Friday Agreement, which did not have many extreme changes, but ended main hostilities. Tensions between the Catholic and Protestant population of Northern Ireland has been an issue for centuries, beginning in force around the time Protestantism was established in England. Ireland remained Catholic, leading to significant tension between the people of the islands. The Ulster region was forcibly settled by protestant Scots and Englishmen, who became a majority in the region until recent times. When the Republic of Ireland was established, Northern Ireland remained a part of the United Kingdom. When a peaceful protest in Northern Ireland asking for an elimination of job discrimination became the subject of regional interest. This began a cascade of events which coincided with the celebration of the anniversary of the Easter Rising. Eventually, various paramilitary groups on both sides began committing arsons, murders, and bombings. This even continues, albeit significantly less commonly, today. Now, the conflict is in the Reconciliation phase. Violence is uncommon and The Troubles are, with a few exceptions concerning specific days, far from the public's collective mind. However there is absolutely tension that remains, with more extreme individuals on both sides even considering the other an oppressive force.