This topic examines the political, cultural and economic development of Northern Ireland during the years 1949–1993. In the first half of this period, the Unionist government sought to consolidate its administration of Northern Ireland. The North benefited from the creation of the Welfare State, but was forced to adjust to the decline of its traditional industries. The underlying divisions in Northern society came to dominate events, leading to the collapse of the Stormont parliament and the introduction of direct rule from Westminster. As civil unrest and paramilitary violence took hold, the people, their political leaders, and the Irish and British governments combined to find a lasting solution to the North’s historical difficulties.
