The Re-emergence of Paramilitaries Flashcards
Why and how was the IRA criticized by nationalists?
They were accused of doing nothing to protect nationalists from loyalists and the RUC in the summer of 1969 and the slogan “IRA = I Ran Away” appeared in nationalist areas; many felt their socialist policies were too soft in the struggle for a united Ireland
When did the Provisional IRA emerge?
1970
What were the aims of the PIRA?
To secure civil rights for nationalists, defend nationalist areas against loyalists, remove British imperialism from Ireland and destroy the Stormont government
What actions and methods did the PIRA use to try and achieve their aims?
They remained committed to the armed struggle and met loyalist attacks with force - they began a campaign of violence, targeting police and soldiers and bombing Protestant shops and businesses
When did the Official IRA declare a ceasefire?
May 1972
When did the Official IRA split again, and what did it split into?
1974, the Irish Republican Socialist Party and the Irish Nationalist Liberation Army
When was the UDA formed?
September 1971
What were the aims of the UDA?
To resist Republican aggression
How many members did the UDA have after a year?
30,000
Why was the UDA not banned?
It was seen as too large to ban
What cover name did the UDA use during attacks on nationalist communities?
The UFF
What was the worst atrocity of 1969 that the UFF was responsible for?
The bombing of McGurk’s Bar on the 4th of December 1969 when 15 people were killed
When was the UFF banned?
1973
What were the aims of the UVF?
To protect Northern Ireland and the union from the IRA, to return to unionist domination, to oppose concessions to nationalists
Why did the British Army decide to act against the PIRA?
The PIRA’s campaign of violence took off in the beginning of 1970 and it was clear they would target British soldiers as the symbol of British imperialism in Ireland
What did the army do to act against the PIRA?
They set up a curfew in the nationalist Falls Road to search for PIRA weapons from 3-5th of July 1970
What did the Falls Road Curfew become locally known as?
The rape of the Falls
What were the effects of the Falls Road Curfew?
Some weapons were found, but the damage and inconvenience caused fatally damaged the Army’s relationship with the nationalist community and increased PIRA membership
When did Major James Chichester-Clark resign as Prime Minister of Northern Ireland?
20th March 1971
Who replaced Major James Chichester-Clark as Prime Minister of Northern Ireland?
Brian Faulkner
