What are the main differences between the beliefs of the Republicans/Nationalists and the Loyalists/Unionists?

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What are the main differences between the beliefs of the Republicans/Nationalists and the Loyalists/Unionists?

There’s a past history of violence in Northern Ireland. The violence goes back thousands of years. The violence has stemmed from two key beliefs. Unionists have always wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom, they are mainly protestant and see themselves as British citizens. However Nationalist have wanted a united Ireland or at least more independence from the United Kingdom, they generally tend to be Catholic and see themselves as Irish although they may be part of the UK. However not all Nationalists believe this some moderate nationalists would be happy with Ireland having more independence from the UK.  There are dominations in both groups; extreme Unionists are called Loyalists, whilst extreme Nationalists are called Republicans. The extreme groups are much more likely to use violence to achieve their goals compared to the others who are more likely to try peaceful methods.

Religion has always played a part of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It was a main cause for the battle of the Boyne. This historic Irish war is celebrated by the orange order each year. The battle of the Boyne is known by many as the defeat of the Catholics over the protestant. After the battle of the Boyne Protestants took control of the power in Ireland, with this power they stripped the Catholics of their power by use of the penal laws, giving Protestants preferential treatment. This caused much hatred between he two groups.

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In 1921 Ireland was divided into two, when the British government decided to release part of Ireland, this was then known as the Republic of Ireland or Eire. However some of Ireland remained part of the UK and was known as Northern Ireland or Ulster.  Some nationalists were happy as they saw it closer to a united Ireland but some felt like they had been sold out. Some Unionists were happy as they remained under UK rule, but yet again some felt like Ireland had been sold out.  This was dramatic turning point for them, as many people from ...

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