Text - Level B

The Troubles – A Timeline of the Conflict

The Troubles in Northern Ireland began in 1968. At that time, many Catholics had fewer rights than Protestants. They had problems with jobs, housing, and voting. So Catholic people started peaceful protests.

In 1969, violence between Catholics and Protestants increased. The British government sent soldiers to Northern Ireland to help. But the conflict grew worse.

A very sad event happened in 1972. British soldiers shot and killed 14 unarmed protesters in Derry. This day is known as Bloody Sunday. It shocked many people.

A year later, in 1973, there was a first plan to stop the fighting. But this plan failed. People did not trust each other.

In 1981, Irish prisoners went on a hunger strike. They wanted to be treated like political prisoners. Bobby Sands was one of them. He died after 66 days without food.

In 1985, Britain and Ireland signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement. It was a step toward peace, but many Protestants were against it.

In 1993, peace talks began. In 1994, the IRA announced a ceasefire. That gave people hope.

Finally, in 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was signed. It was a big step. Catholics and Protestants started to work together in the government.

In 2005, the IRA gave up its weapons. This was the real end of the Troubles. Today, Northern Ireland is more peaceful, but the past is still important.