The Troubles (1968-1998) refers to the conflict in Northern Ireland (BBC, 2014). The route of the conflict stemmed from allegiance to different parties. The unionists, which were mainly Protestant, wanted to stay part of the United Kingdom. The nationalists and republicans, on the other hand, which consisted of mostly Catholics, desired to be a part of the Republic of Ireland. During this thirty-year period, a lot of killings occurred. The death toll ended up reaching over 3,600. Approximately 50,000 were injured. Post-1998, there are many people who continue to be psychologically damaged. Tension lingers, even though Protestants and Catholics live so close to one another.
As shown in the image on the left, Northern Ireland includes only six counties of the province of Ulster (Ulster Project Cincinnati, 2014). It continues to be a part of the United Kingdom. In Northern Ireland, an individual who is Catholic refers to a member of the indigenous Irish population. Catholics didn't have the same rights as Protestants. They were discriminated against in terms of housing, employment, and opportunity. They have no desire to be a part of the United Kingdom, but rather have Ireland stand on its own. Protestants, however, pride themselves on their British roots. They are referred to as foreigners in spite of them having occupied Ireland for centuries. Historically, Protestants represent the ruling class. Protestants want Ireland to remain a part of the United Kingdom.
Evidently, Catholics and Protestants do not typically see eye to eye. Even after the Good Friday agreement of 1998, there is still a distinct barrier between Catholics and Protestants. In response to the violence and tension between the two groups, there are peace walls in Northern Ireland to serve as a divider. Below is a video that goes into detail about peace walls. It gives an inside look regarding how Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland view each other.
As shown in the image on the left, Northern Ireland includes only six counties of the province of Ulster (Ulster Project Cincinnati, 2014). It continues to be a part of the United Kingdom. In Northern Ireland, an individual who is Catholic refers to a member of the indigenous Irish population. Catholics didn't have the same rights as Protestants. They were discriminated against in terms of housing, employment, and opportunity. They have no desire to be a part of the United Kingdom, but rather have Ireland stand on its own. Protestants, however, pride themselves on their British roots. They are referred to as foreigners in spite of them having occupied Ireland for centuries. Historically, Protestants represent the ruling class. Protestants want Ireland to remain a part of the United Kingdom.
Evidently, Catholics and Protestants do not typically see eye to eye. Even after the Good Friday agreement of 1998, there is still a distinct barrier between Catholics and Protestants. In response to the violence and tension between the two groups, there are peace walls in Northern Ireland to serve as a divider. Below is a video that goes into detail about peace walls. It gives an inside look regarding how Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland view each other.