Introduction
HANDS UP, lad. No sudden moves.
Today you will investigate the conflict known as "The Troubles".
You will learn about the relations between the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Task
The year is 1994 ! You are a reporter working for the New York Times. This morning, the IRA declared a ceasefire. Your boss asked you to write a short article explaining to Americans what the ceasefire means for people living in Northern Ireland. What can they hope for?
Process
To make your work easier, use these websites for your research.
VOCABULARY:
1) http://www.wordreference.com/enfr/
2) Ask your press manager. (Mr Caron)
VIDEOS:
Watch these videos ONLY TWICE.
1) Northern Ireland Troubles Bomb Blasts, Early 1970's. Archive film 97445
2) 4/09/1972 SOLDIER KILLED BY SNIPER IN BELFAST (1 minute 08 seconds)
3) IRA call ceasefire (2 minutes 20 seconds)
PICTURES:
Photo gallery: Belfast kids during 80s Troubles
A wall in Belfast that separates a Catholic neighborhood from a Protestant neighborhood.
TEXT SOURCES:
List of bombings during the Northern Ireland Troubles
A short History of the Northern Irish Troubles
Evaluation
What your article needs:
1) Explain:
a. Which communities were fighting in Northern Ireland?
b. When and why did the fighting start?
c. How did they fight?
2) Analyze:
a. What will happen to the paramilitaries?
b. What does it mean for the different communities living in Northern Ireland?
Conclusion
The Troubles are a very important part of the history of Ireland. They were one of the most violent conflicts in history. Many people died: men, women, soldiers, children, politicians. Even today, there are still walls between Irish communities in Belfast. A lot of progress was made for peace and there is less violence, but the two communities do not interact very much.