The Troubles

The Troubles refer to a violent conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s until the1998 Good Friday Agreement. The main issues involved political, nationalistic, and sectarian divides, primarily between Irish nationalists (mainly Catholics) who sought reunification with Ireland and unionists (mainly Protestants) who wanted to remain part of the UK. This resulted in widespread violence, including bombings, shootings, and civil disturbances, leading to over 3,500 deaths and many more injuries. The Good Friday Agreement helped establish a power-sharing government and significantly reduced violence, although tensions still exist in some communities today.