Why the Troubles started in Northern Ireland

The complicated history of Northern Ireland is hotly contested. The bloody 30-year conflict known as the Troubles caused thousands of deaths, with deep divisions across Northern Ireland, and the situation remains highly divisive to this day. This four-part series will examine the entire history of the Troubles, from the causes of the conflict to the long and difficult peace negotiations. In this first episode, we take an in depth look at the origin of the Troubles. Though the conflict began in earnest in 1969, the divisions that caused it can be traced back centuries.

Watch the rest of our Troubles series:

Follow IWM on social media:

[kaysmith]

This is why I will never understand those who say History is not important. We are constantly dealing with the aftermath of things that happened centuries even 1000 years ago.

[meab]

I'm an Irishman. I bear no ill will towards British people, be that British soldiers (who were just trying to do their job), or Ulster Unionists and Loyalists. All I want is there to be lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Some of the best people I've ever met have been British, from both England and Northern Ireland. Not one single life should have been lost over this conflict. Live and let live.

[AngryIlluminati]

"Complicated" is an understatement. Imagine living near the border with so many different factions fighting for the different causes and beliefs. Your literal neighbor could be an enemy, ally or potentially both.

[chazthehoon]

Classic behaviour from the British, and I am British. We need to own up to the darker parts of our country's history and learn from it. Ireland is an awesome country and I wish them a bright future!

[xqxufoc]

The struggle of Irish people against the British empire, resonated with many people of the Commonwealth far and wide
My dad when we lived in Pakistan was so moved by the martyrdom of Bobby Sands, that he wrote a poem about it

[robsmithadventures]

I am Irish and I found this video even-handed and fair. A fairly robust introduction to the conflict.

[djpokeeffe]

King George V opened the first Northern Ireland parliament and gave a rather good speech encouraging the majority to treat all people of all faiths with justice and moderation. It’s a tragedy that his audience, who claimed to be loyal to him, vociferously rejected his advice.

[wataboutya]

I was born in Northern Ireland in 1956. I remember my world changing in that summer of 1969.

[gaius_enceladus]

I'm a New Zealander but my grandfather was from Kent.
I'm hugely saddened by everything that the Irish have been subjected to.
I absolutely *love* them.

[TheKalihiMan]

One thing that has always impressed me about Irish Republicans is their unwavering solidarity with other anticolonial struggles throughout the world. They have consistently stood with the people of Palestine against Israeli colonialism and the people of South Africa against Apartheid, and some have even expressed support for my own country of Hawaiʻi in the face of foreign occupation (which is doubly impressive when you consider the very prominent use of the Union Jack on our flag). The Irish, more than any other people in Europe, are intimately familiar with the effects of colonialism as both the first and last outpost of British imperialism.

[Scout]

I found this to be very informative and helped me as an American understand this very complex issue. From comments I understand it is well balanced. Well done. We must study history to help our current world.

[ardakolimsky]

I was ignorant when I first went to NI. A typical product of our education system.
I went to University afterwards and studied the Empire, with a particular emphasis on Ireland as a colony.
This is a decent potted history - though in an attempt to avoid seeming biased. it skirts around important facts.
Having said that, everyone in Britain should see this.

[isaaccoote]

What an intriguing piece, and it couldn't have been released at a better time. Love the channel you guys!

[doberski]

'Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.' A very old much used quote, but thank you for this video. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series.

[franckcolomb]

I took an amazing guided tour with 2 guides in this area.
Both were convicted during the troubles from both communities.
The walking tour was amazing with both sides explaining their ( still) very conflicting views. I recommend this experience to anyone visiting Belfast

[mop]

American born in 86 here. My knowledge of the troubles pretty much involves either u2 or punk rock and that's about it. This was absolutely fascinating. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[johnmchugh]

My dad was off the boat Protestant English and my mom is third generation Irish catholic American - the troubles have always broken my heart - I pray for our father to heal both peoples

[Katmando]

One of the Internees was an 80 year old man who told the arresting Officer " I am honoured that you think I'm a thorn in the side of the British establishment but I have to say I have not been active in the IRA for over 50 years!"

[dkexpat]

I found this channel yesterday, and I am legit more excited than i ever was at christmas as a child :D

[fredorico]

Very interesting, I didn't know the tensions went that far back, thankyou for such a great channel, all the best from Australia 🦘