The Irish free state was declared independent from England in 1949, this was a major
accomplishment of the IRA, but they had still to free Northern Ireland. From 1956-1962
the Irish Republican Army had continually raided British checkpoints in Northern
Ireland trying to reunite Ireland and Northern Ireland and also trying to embarrass the
Irish government ("Ireland" World Book 433).
Re-Occupation by the British Troops: 1969
Catholics in Northern Ireland have long complained that protestants violated their civil
rights and discriminated against them in the job markets, housing, and other areas.
In 1967, the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association was established to work for equal
rights for all Irishmen ("Northern" World Book 530). A march for the civil rights
association took place in Derry on the 5th of october, 1969 to demonstrate it's power
and to demand reforms. Bloody riots broke out when the government attempted to stop
the march. Following the riots, the Northern Ireland prime minster was persuaded to
establish a number of reforms. More riots broke out in Belfast and other towns such as
Newry. British troops were sent to Northern Ireland as a result of these riots. The
troops remained in Northern Ireland but could not stop the riots from breaking out
during the 1970's. Due to the IRA and other military groups carrying out bombings and
other dangerous operations the British police were rearmed. In 1972 the violence led to
Britain taking over the Direct Rule of Northern Ireland. Efforts to find a system that
would be acceptable to both protestants and catholics have continued since the 1970's,
but have not been successful ("Northern" World Book 530).