Northern Ireland Troubles History Timeline and Biographies

1968

Civil Rights Protests

The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) began organizing marches and protests to address discrimination against Catholics and nationalists in housing, employment, and voting rights. These events marked the beginning of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1969

Battle of the Bogside

A major confrontation between the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and nationalist residents of the Bogside area in Derry led to widespread violence and the deployment of British troops to Northern Ireland, escalating the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1971

Introduction of Internment

The British government introduced internment without trial for suspected IRA members, leading to widespread protests and further violence, significantly deepening the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1972

Bloody Sunday

British soldiers shot and killed 14 unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry on January 30, 1972. This event, known as Bloody Sunday, intensified the Northern Ireland Troubles and increased support for the IRA.

1973

Sunningdale Agreement

An attempt to establish a power-sharing executive and a cross-border Council of Ireland, the Sunningdale Agreement faced strong opposition and eventually collapsed, failing to resolve the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1974

Ulster Workers' Council Strike

A general strike organized by unionists opposed to the Sunningdale Agreement brought Northern Ireland to a standstill and led to the collapse of the power-sharing executive, exacerbating the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1976

Peace People Movement

Founded by Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams, the Peace People movement sought to promote a peaceful resolution to the Northern Ireland Troubles through grassroots activism and non-violent protest.

1981

Hunger Strikes

IRA prisoners, including Bobby Sands, went on hunger strike to protest against their status as common criminals rather than political prisoners. The death of 10 hunger strikers drew international attention to the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1985

Anglo-Irish Agreement

The British and Irish governments signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement, giving the Irish government an advisory role in Northern Ireland's affairs. This agreement was a significant step in addressing the Northern Ireland Troubles, though it faced opposition from unionists.

1987

Enniskillen Bombing

An IRA bomb exploded during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Enniskillen, killing 11 people and injuring many others. This tragic event highlighted the ongoing violence of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1993

Downing Street Declaration

British Prime Minister John Major and Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds issued the Downing Street Declaration, which outlined principles for peace and paved the way for inclusive talks to resolve the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1994

IRA Ceasefire

The IRA declared a ceasefire, followed by a similar declaration from loyalist paramilitary groups. These ceasefires were crucial steps towards ending the Northern Ireland Troubles and beginning peace negotiations.

1996

Canary Wharf Bombing

The IRA ended its ceasefire with a bombing at Canary Wharf in London, killing two people and causing extensive damage. This event temporarily disrupted the peace process aimed at resolving the Northern Ireland Troubles.

1998

Good Friday Agreement

The Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10, 1998, established a devolved government for Northern Ireland and created frameworks for cooperation between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK. This agreement marked the official end of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

2005

IRA Decommissioning

The IRA announced the end of its armed campaign and decommissioned its weapons, a significant milestone in the peace process following the Northern Ireland Troubles.