However, the Unionists were horrified and outraged, they thought the Irish rebels were traitors. They also felt suspicion and mistrust toward Sinn Fein. The rebels planned a rebellion while the Protestant men were dying in the Somme. This made the unionists even more determined to stop home rule and keep their British identity. Easter Rising shaped the views and opinions of the Unionists in the long term because they believe Nationalists cannot be trusted. The suspicion of the Nationalists were reinforced by the Easter Rising. Unionists felt very disgusted as the rebels were seen as heroes, but Unionists so them as traitors who behaved badly.
The second event was Partition; this was the splitting of Ireland. On January 21st 1919 IRA killed two policemen in country Tipperary. This began 2 years of guerrilla warfare against British forces in Ireland. The fighting got even worse and then in 1920 the British lost control of most of the Southern countryside. On the other hand, in the North it was very different the Ulster Protestants did not want a separate Ireland so they gave full support to the British.
The short-term affects of this were that the Nationalists believed that Partition would be a temporary solution. Furthermore, they felt disappointed and angry as they felt let down as Britain had no right of making such decisions. The Nationalists also felt insulted as they were independent in theory but in practical they were still part of England. The Nationalists long term will never accept Partition. They feel it must overturn, as it was illegal and immoral. They now believe the British cannot be trusted, this also increased anti-British feeling. Catholics in Northern Ireland were not treated equally; this led to a civil rights movement to campaign for equal rights.
On the other hand, the Unionists wanted all of Ireland to be British but also felt a sense of relief that they British protest saved they identity. They were prepared to fight for they British identity. They feared Irish independence. The long-term affects were that the Unionists were thankful for Partition and they wished to continue links with Britain. They also continue to see themselves as British and wish to keep the involvement with the country.
The Deployment of Troops occurred on Thursday 14th August. On this date the new prime minister of Northern Ireland (James Chichester-Clarke) called the British prime minister (Harold Wilson) and told him to send troops into Londonderry. The troops were sent in because in the streets of Londonderry there was chaos and it was getting out of control. Catholics often found it difficult to get good jobs, decent schools and also council housing. Unemployment amongst Catholics was much higher. The police force was almost entirely made of Protestants especially the 13 specials set up on a defence against the IRA by 1967 (NICRA) Catholic civil rights movement was set up.
The short- term affects of this were that the Nationalists welcomed the troops to keep peace between both sides. They believed that the troops would protect them from Protestant violence. But over time they feelings changed and they began ton resent the presence. They became an invading force due to they brutal tactics. Long term, they saw troops as an invading force and did not want them there any longer. As the British continued to interfere in Ireland affairs more people began to think negatively about British.
The Unionists also welcomed the British because they taught the British would protect them. The British troops prime objective was too protect British citizens. People were frightened and thought some thing was going to happen. The long-term affects are that Unionists still welcome British troops as peacekeepers against the threat of the Catholics. They mere presence continued to create suspicion between both groups. The troops made Unionists feel supported and closer to Britain.
The last event was Bloody Sunday, which took place 30th January in 1972. In this day 13 unarmed marches were shot dead at Bogsite estate in Londonderry. They were shot by the British army. No British were shot dead. Young kids were also shot dead; the youngest was 17 years of age. The soldiers stated that they were shot at first, but there was no proof that they were. Some soldiers still believe it was a job well done.
The short-term affects were that the Nationalists were horrified and shocked at the death of 13 innocent civilians. The widgery report cleared all the soldiers of any wrong doing, which led to more insult. This led to a cover up by the British government. More British hatred was created knowing that the IRA was reborn. The affect on Nationalists long-term is that they still want justice for what happened on that day and an investigation into what happened. The Nationalists no longer trust the British because of these events. A new enquiry was launched in 1998 and is still on going.
The short-term affects on the Unionists were mixed, some people felt slightly shameful and upset at the loss of so many men. More extreme Unionists were not so sympathetic many said the march was illegal and blamed it for the trouble. Long-term affects were that the event was a tragic accident by most, but the Catholics would not forget it. This caused further resentment; the IRA killed hundreds of people in revenge for Bloody Sunday. Unionists believed that we should be looking too the future rather than always looking to the past.
In conclusion, there were many events that people were killed. These events left the world standing shocked, however, even till this day they have not come to an agreement. There is not that much fighting any more, but this does not mean everything will become better. It is not that simple. People who have lost a member of their family, a friend or even seeing people die like that will never accept it. If they do put the past to one side, there will still be people who do not accept it. This may result in and begin another fight. They might take on violence again. Every event has added more and more hatred between the two groups.