NI (CS)

Question 1

belfast

Answer 1

• pop just under 650k
• former industrial heartland (Harland and Wolff shipyard - titanic)
• troubles (1960-98) sectarian violence between Republicans + Unionists (1600 deaths)

Question 2

Population Change in Belfast

Answer 2

• 19th–20th century: Major growth due to Industrial Revolution.
• 1940s–70s: Depopulation – fell to 415,000.
  -21st century: Growth mainly in ages 19–39 (37%).

Question 3

Social & Religious Division in Belfast

Answer 3

• South Belfast (university): richer.
• North & West (e.g., Falls Road / Shankhill Road): poorer.
• Religious identity: 43% Catholic, 29% Protestant, 3% other, 24% no declared religion (NDR).
• 47% live in Catholic areas, 27% in Protestant ones.

Question 4

Ethnic Diversity & National Identity in Belfast

Answer 4

• Ethnic minorities: Poles, Chinese, Indians, Eastern Europeans (3.3%), mainly in South Belfast.
• ~5,000 Muslim families and ~200 Hindu residents.
• National identity: 35% Irish only, 27% British only, 17% Northern Irish only.

Question 5

2 groups in NI

Answer 5

1) protestant = unionist (right-wing conservative) = loyalist
2) catholic = nationalist (left-wing democratic-socialist) = republican

religious , political , ethnic groups

Question 6

How did Belfast’s location and political changes shape its early growth?

Answer 6

• Built on Belfast Lough, became a shipbuilding hub in the 19th century.
• Landless Catholics lived in dense, poor housing in West Belfast.
• 1920 Government of Ireland Act: Created Northern Ireland, majority Protestant.
• WWII bombings damaged dockyards; post-war, poor areas were replaced with suburban housing estates.
• 1950s–70s: UK-wide deindustrialisation shifted jobs to SE Asia.

Question 7

The Troubles (1969–1998) – National to Global Crisis

Answer 7

• Inspired by global Civil Rights movements, protests erupted against Unionist control.
• British Army and RUC deployed to protect Protestant areas.
• IRA and UDR paramilitary groups formed.
• Peace Walls built to divide communities.
• Decades of violence stifled investment and economic growth.

Question 8

Peace & Regeneration (Post-1998) – Regional to Global Influence

Answer 8

• Good Friday Agreement (1998) marked peace and power-sharing.
• Urban Development Corporations (e.g., Belfast) promoted quaternary sector growth.
• Fair Employment Act: Religious balance in workplaces monitored.
• Queen’s University attracts global talent.
• Murals and flags continue to reflect deep cultural divisions.

Question 9

Post-Industrial Belfast – Ongoing Global to Local Challenges

Answer 9

• 2004 A8 accession: Rise in Eastern European Catholic migrants.
• 2008 Financial Crisis: cities across UK compete with London for investment.
• 2012: Belfast City Hall limits Union Jack flag-flying.
• 2020 Brexit: Created Irish Sea trade border.
• 2023 Windsor Framework: creates ‘channels for trade’ separating goods destined to either NI or the EU
• Growth in air/sea travel boosts tourism and links to GB.
• Ongoing court cases into actions during The Troubles.