The Beginning

• • The NICRA formed when Catholics became frustrated with the lack of progress Terence O'Neill made in Northern Ireland. Its aims were to disband the B-Specials, put an end to discrimination toward Catholics and to stop gerrymandering.
  • The NICRA were committed to peaceful means to protest, just like the Civil Rights Movement. In October 1968, a march that was banned went on. It was attacked by the RUC and captured on television.
• Battle of the Bogside:

  • In August 1969, a march by the Unionists passed through the Catholic Bogside of Derry. The Catholics rioted and drove out the RUC out of the Bogside by throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at Unionists.
• Terrorism, the use of violence to change society or government policy, was a method used by both Catholics and Unionists toward each other.
• In 1969, Northern members broke away from their Dublin command and formed the Provisional IRA (Provos). They attacked the RUC, planted bombs in Britain + Northern Ireland and killed innocent civilians. Their political wing was Sinn Fein, led by Gerry Adams.
• Loyalists, who were Unionists willing to use violence to defend the Union, set up the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defence Association. They attacked Catholic civilians as reprisals.