After Bloody Sunday (whole of 1972) Flashcards
(11 cards)
What happened to the British Embassy in Dublin following Bloody Sunday?
It was burned down by an angry crowd.
What impact did Bloody Sunday have on the IRA?
Support for the IRA grew, and they successfully raised funds in the USA.
What were the levels of violence in Northern Ireland in 1972?
1,382 explosions
Almost 11,000 shootings
480 deaths
What did Bloody Sunday reveal about the Stormont government under Faulkner?
That it was unable to handle the escalating security situation.
What did Faulkner demand after Bloody Sunday?
More control, including arming the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
How did the London government respond to Faulkner’s demands?
They refused and instead asked Stormont to give up control over law and order.
What happened to Stormont in March 1972?
It was suspended by Edward Heath and replaced with direct rule from London.
Who was appointed Northern Ireland’s first Secretary of State in 1972?
William Whitelaw.
What actions did the British government announce in March 1972?
Took control of Northern Ireland’s security
Appointed a British official (Whitelaw) to oversee NI
Planned a referendum on Irish unification
Sought to create a power-sharing govt with local politicians
Why did Stormont’s members resign in 1972?
They protested losing control over security to the British government.
What was Heath’s broader goal beyond defeating the IRA?
To find a long-term political solution that would bring peace to Northern Ireland.
