Since its creation in 1921, Northern Ireland had been a divided society. Sectarian divisions between the majority Protestant and the minority Catholic populations meant the new state discriminated against Catholics. The resulting injustices led to protests and eventually to the outbreak of violence by paramilitary groups. Over 3,500 people lost their lives during the Troubles.
The Troubles Type of source
Primary Primary Primary
WORKING WITH THE EVIDENCE! —————————————
Category Written Oral
Audiovisual Visual
—————————— Example
Newspapers, offi cial records, diaries and speeches from the people involved on all sides
Interviews with people who lived through the Troubles, many of whom are still living today
RTÉ and BBC news reports and investigations into the Troubles
The two communities expressed their views by painting murals. These are a unique source on Northern Ireland and give us an insight into how the people most affected by the violence saw it
Find one example of a republican/nationalist mural and one loyalist/Unionist mural from the Troubles. In your group, do a presentation on the two murals. Explain who the people are and what the symbols mean. If historical events are shown, explain what happened then and why it is important to that community.
Newspaper headlines the day after Bloody Sunday, 1972
