Why was the Battle of the Boyne an important event in Irish history? Why does it still cause conflict now?

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Part 1 Northern Ireland coursework

Why was the Battle of the Boyne an important event in Irish history?

Why does it still cause conflict now?

The Battle of the Boyne occurred at the river Boyne in Northern Ireland in 1690.  This battle and consequent events form the basis for the somewhat confused conflict in Northern Ireland today.  The problem stemmed from the fact that Catholic James II became deposed after continued fear that a catholic invasion was prominent, being replaced by the protestant William of Orange.  William of Orange continued to rule Britain until James II threatened to take back his throne and so gathered troops from Ireland.  King Louis of France, sworn enemy of William, also helped James.  The Catholic Pope supported William and he sent troops to acknowledge William’s presence in Ireland.  As there were Catholic troops on both sides it becomes more difficult to determine the motives for war and whether it was more associated with power and rule and not religion as more commonly is presented with the Irish problem.  James was defeated and the Treaty of Limerick 1691 was compiled.  The treaty’s aim was merely to disperse the catholic invasion but many Protestants were not satisfied.  

Problems were to follow the treaty as pressure grew from the Protestant side to put an end to the threat of another catholic invasion, William must enforce stronger penalties on the Catholics.  This led to the introduction of the penal laws, passed 1695.  Inappropriate and discriminating the penal laws affected almost every aspect of catholic life.  No catholic was allowed to own substantial land, get successful or important careers.  They could not posses guns or a horse more than the value of five pounds otherwise it was sold on to a protestant this was all in aid of preventing the Catholics from fighting back and creating another army.  Gradually abolished the penal laws left behind a history of sectarianism which encouraged mistrust and tension between communities, this suspicion to almost hatred will reappear throughout history as people remember the parts of the past that they choose to support their cause.  

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Celebrations of the battle of the Boyne began amicably as the protestants celebrated the key points of their history and was seen a holiday rather than a political statement.  Unconfirmed evidence reported that Catholics often enjoyed the band and had the occasional ice cream.

Parades have become an increasingly important part of life in Northern Ireland since the 18th century, commemorating and celebrating specific events of the past.  The parades have grown in number by 43 percent since 1986, for many they play a political, religious and social role within society reinstating their opinions and values within the ...

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