To What Extent Was Political Domination by the Unionists the Most Important Explanation for the Outbreak of the Troubles in 1969?

To what extent was political domination by the Unionists the most important explanation for the outbreak of the troubles in 1969?

The Troubles in Northern Ireland, have it roots dated back to the seventeenth century, with 3225 deaths since 1969. This is now the second-deadliest encounter since World War II in Europe. The political domination by the Unionists within Northern Ireland, can be seen as the main factor for the cause of the troubles. However, there were other key factors, which are equally, if not more important, in the cause of the troubles. The economic situation within Ireland at this time can also be seen as an explanation for the outbreak of the troubles, as the Unionists were effectively in control of all economic measures, widening the inequality. The creation of NICRA and push for civil rights against the Protestants also heightened the tensions in the 1960’s. The final factor; was the RUC and B specials: the violence used against the people of Northern Ireland by the British army.

The Protestants always had a political control within. The requirement that a Protestant majority be created in Northern Ireland was a major determinant in drawing the boundary for the Partition of Ireland. This led six of the original nine counties of the province of Ulster, with the remaining three counties of Ulster were not included in Northern Ireland due to the fact that the higher percentage of Catholics in these counties posed a threat to Protestant control of the country. An act was introduced in 1920, which created a new House of Commons, which sat 52 members, as well as 26 seats for the Senate. This act; The Government of Ireland Act, also permitted 13 MPs from Northern Ireland to be emitted into the Westminster Parliament. The parliamentary building of Stormont was built in 1932, however not many powers were devolved to the Northern Ireland government, with Westminster still controlling the important issues, such as: defence, tax and foreign policy....