The Troubles can be a difficult conflict to untangle. The definitions provided below are not all encompassing but hopefully give an indication as to some of the key terminologies and groups discussed in this exhibition.
Ideologies
Sectarianism – A strong adherence to a particular sect (political, ethnic, or religious), often leading to conflict with those of different sects or holding different beliefs.
Loyalism – Allegiance to the British crown and the United Kingdom. Loyalism is primarily working class in nature. The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is a loyalist group, and the term is often linked with paramilitary violence. However, not all loyalists agree with the use of violence.
Irish Republicanism – A political ideology that aims for a united Ireland free from British involvement. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) is one republican group that used ‘armed struggle’ as well as politics to further its aims.
Unionism – The political policy of maintaining Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom.
Irish Nationalism – A political movement that aims for a united Ireland through non-violent means.
The Orange Order – A Protestant organisation, formed in 1795. Known for its ‘marching season’ that culminates in large scale parades on 12 July each year. The marches are often controversial and sometimes lead to violence between the marching bands and nationalist/republican communities.
Armed Struggle – Irish republican principle of armed resistance to Britain. The desired outcome sees Britain leaving Ireland and the country united as a 32-county socialist republic.
Combatants
Paramilitaries – A trained and organised armed force that is like an army but is unofficial and often illegal.
Below are a few of the main groups involved:
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) – The main armed republican group during the Troubles. It split from the main IRA in 1969 over disputes around defence of Catholic communities and the political direction of the IRA at the time.
The Official Irish Republican Army (OIRA) – After the split in 1969 the remaining group became known as the Official IRA. They moved towards Marxist politics and away from armed struggle. Nevertheless, they continued to come into conflict with both the PIRA and the INLA.
The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) – A splinter group who broke from the OIRA in 1974. They disagreed with abandoning the group’s armed campaign. Although destructive and deadly, they were often split by internal disagreements and feuds.
The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) – Formed in 1966 over a perceived threat the IRA would stage a major insurrection. One of the main loyalist groups active during the Troubles. Its membership provided many of those who would contribute to the peace process in 1998.
The Red Hand Commando (RHC) – A highly secretive loyalist paramilitary group formed in 1970. It was linked with the UVF and incorporated into that organisation, to some extent. However, it retained its own independent command structure.
The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) – The largest of the loyalist groups. Formed in 1970, it amalgamated many community defence groups formed in the wake of the Troubles. Although not an illegal organisation, it carried out shootings and bombings under the cover name the Ulster Freedom Fighters.
The Security Forces
The British Army – Deployed in force in late 1969 in response to the start of the Troubles. Operation Banner (1969-2007) was the longest continuous deployment of British soldiers in British Army history. Their role was difficult, dangerous, and controversial.
The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) – The largest regiment in the British Army, formed in 1970. The regiment only served in Northern Ireland and all its personnel were from Northern Ireland. It included both men and women in full and part time roles.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) – The only armed police force in the UK and the main peacekeeping force in Northern Ireland. Praised by the security forces for their bravery and professionalism, over 300 RUC officers were killed, and many thousands injured. It was reformed and renamed the Police Service of Northern Ireland in 2001.