Text - Level A

A Short History of the Troubles

The Troubles started in Northern Ireland in 1968. Many Catholic people had fewer rights than Protestant people. So they started protests. They wanted equal rights.

In 1969, the British army came to Northern Ireland. The army wanted to stop the violence. But the conflict became worse.

In 1972, British soldiers shot 14 people in Derry. This day is called Bloody Sunday. Many people were very sad and angry.

In 1973, the first peace plan failed. People were still fighting.

In 1981, some prisoners refused to eat. They wanted to be treated like political prisoners. Bobby Sands died. Many people around the world watched.

In 1985, Britain and Ireland made a plan for peace. But many Protestants did not agree.

In 1993, peace talks began. In 1994, the IRA stopped fighting.

In 1998, a big peace agreement was signed. It is called the Good Friday Agreement. The conflict ended.

In 2005, the IRA gave up its weapons. The Troubles were over. People now try to live in peace.