Why is Ireland split?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Julian Martin
Works at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Lives in Rome, Italy.
Ireland's division into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a complex issue with historical roots that extend back over several centuries. To understand why Ireland is split, it's essential to delve into the historical, political, and social factors that have contributed to this situation.
Historical Context:
The island of Ireland has a long history of conflict, particularly with its larger neighbor, the United Kingdom. The English began to establish a presence in Ireland in the late 12th century, and over the following centuries, English and later British control over the island grew. This period saw a great deal of tension between the native Irish population and the English settlers, culminating in a series of rebellions and conflicts.
The Act of Union (1801):
The Act of Union in 1801 formally united the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This union was largely driven by British interests and did not enjoy widespread support among the Irish population.
**The Irish War of Independence (1919-1921):**
The early 20th century saw a resurgence in Irish nationalism and a push for independence from British rule. The Irish War of Independence, also known as the Anglo-Irish War, was a guerrilla war fought between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and British forces. This conflict led to significant loss of life and property and ended with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921.
**The Anglo-Irish Treaty and Partition (1921):**
The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921 was a pivotal moment in the division of Ireland. The treaty established the Irish Free State, which covered 26 of the 32 counties on the island, as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. However, it also allowed for the partition of the island, with the six counties in the north, known as Northern Ireland, remaining under British control. This partition was a contentious issue, as it was opposed by many nationalists who wanted a unified, independent Ireland.
Religious and Cultural Divide:
Another significant factor in the division of Ireland is the religious and cultural divide. The majority of the population in the south is Roman Catholic, while the north has a significant Protestant majority, many of whom are descendants of the settlers brought over by the British. This religious divide often corresponded with political affiliations, with Catholics generally supporting Irish nationalism and Protestants more likely to support union with Britain.
The Troubles (1960s-1990s):
The period known as "The Troubles" refers to the ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that spanned several decades. It was marked by violence between the predominantly Catholic nationalists, who sought a united Ireland, and the predominantly Protestant unionists, who wanted to remain part of the UK. The conflict involved paramilitary groups, the British Army, and the police, and it resulted in the loss of many lives.
The Good Friday Agreement (1998):
The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was a pivotal moment in the peace process. It was a complex accord that sought to address the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, the relationship between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the nature of the relationship between Northern Ireland and the UK. The agreement led to a significant reduction in violence and established a framework for power-sharing and cooperation.
Current Status:
Today, the Republic of Ireland is an independent nation, while Northern Ireland remains part of the UK. The Good Friday Agreement has largely held, and there has been a significant decrease in violence. However, the question of whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the UK or join a united Ireland is still a matter of political debate and subject to the potential for future referendums based on the agreement's terms.
In conclusion, the division of Ireland is a result of a complex interplay of historical events, political decisions, and social and religious differences. Understanding this division requires an appreciation of the deep historical roots and the ongoing efforts to find peaceful and mutually acceptable solutions.
Historical Context:
The island of Ireland has a long history of conflict, particularly with its larger neighbor, the United Kingdom. The English began to establish a presence in Ireland in the late 12th century, and over the following centuries, English and later British control over the island grew. This period saw a great deal of tension between the native Irish population and the English settlers, culminating in a series of rebellions and conflicts.
The Act of Union (1801):
The Act of Union in 1801 formally united the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This union was largely driven by British interests and did not enjoy widespread support among the Irish population.
**The Irish War of Independence (1919-1921):**
The early 20th century saw a resurgence in Irish nationalism and a push for independence from British rule. The Irish War of Independence, also known as the Anglo-Irish War, was a guerrilla war fought between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and British forces. This conflict led to significant loss of life and property and ended with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921.
**The Anglo-Irish Treaty and Partition (1921):**
The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921 was a pivotal moment in the division of Ireland. The treaty established the Irish Free State, which covered 26 of the 32 counties on the island, as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. However, it also allowed for the partition of the island, with the six counties in the north, known as Northern Ireland, remaining under British control. This partition was a contentious issue, as it was opposed by many nationalists who wanted a unified, independent Ireland.
Religious and Cultural Divide:
Another significant factor in the division of Ireland is the religious and cultural divide. The majority of the population in the south is Roman Catholic, while the north has a significant Protestant majority, many of whom are descendants of the settlers brought over by the British. This religious divide often corresponded with political affiliations, with Catholics generally supporting Irish nationalism and Protestants more likely to support union with Britain.
The Troubles (1960s-1990s):
The period known as "The Troubles" refers to the ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that spanned several decades. It was marked by violence between the predominantly Catholic nationalists, who sought a united Ireland, and the predominantly Protestant unionists, who wanted to remain part of the UK. The conflict involved paramilitary groups, the British Army, and the police, and it resulted in the loss of many lives.
The Good Friday Agreement (1998):
The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was a pivotal moment in the peace process. It was a complex accord that sought to address the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, the relationship between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the nature of the relationship between Northern Ireland and the UK. The agreement led to a significant reduction in violence and established a framework for power-sharing and cooperation.
Current Status:
Today, the Republic of Ireland is an independent nation, while Northern Ireland remains part of the UK. The Good Friday Agreement has largely held, and there has been a significant decrease in violence. However, the question of whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the UK or join a united Ireland is still a matter of political debate and subject to the potential for future referendums based on the agreement's terms.
In conclusion, the division of Ireland is a result of a complex interplay of historical events, political decisions, and social and religious differences. Understanding this division requires an appreciation of the deep historical roots and the ongoing efforts to find peaceful and mutually acceptable solutions.
Works at the European Space Agency, Lives in Paris, France.
Ninety years ago Ireland was split in two after people living there went to war against their British rulers. The south became a separate state, now called the Republic of Ireland. But the break-up led to decades of unrest and violence in Northern Ireland, which remained part of the UK.Jan 7, 2013
评论(0)
Helpful(2)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Oliver Brown
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Ninety years ago Ireland was split in two after people living there went to war against their British rulers. The south became a separate state, now called the Republic of Ireland. But the break-up led to decades of unrest and violence in Northern Ireland, which remained part of the UK.Jan 7, 2013
