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What were the main social and economic problems facing Northern Ireland, 1949-1969, and how effectively were they tackled? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
What were the main social and economic problems facing Northern Ireland, 1949-1969, and how effectively were they tackled?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What were the main social and economic problems facing Northern Ireland, 1949-1969, and how effectively were they tackled? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
What were the main social and economic problems facing Northern Ireland, 1949-1969?
Answer
During the period of 1949 to 1969, Northern Ireland faced significant social and economic challenges.
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Economic Decline: The economy was heavily reliant on traditional industries, particularly shipbuilding and textiles, which began to decline post-World War II. This caused high unemployment rates, especially in urban areas, leading to widespread poverty.
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Social Inequality: There were pronounced social inequalities, particularly along sectarian lines. The Protestant community often held political and economic advantages, leading to systemic discrimination against the Catholic minority in terms of employment, housing, and political representation.
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Political Turmoil: A lack of political inclusiveness fostered tensions between communities. The ruling Unionist government was perceived as ignoring the needs of the Catholic population, escalating frustrations and unrest.
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Poor Housing Conditions: Many families lived in inadequate housing, particularly in inner-city areas, contributing to social discontent and health issues. Housing allocation often favored the Protestant community, further exacerbating grievances.
Step 2
How effectively were they tackled?
Answer
The responses to these issues varied in effectiveness and impact:
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Government Attention: The Northern Ireland Government did make attempts to address economic issues through initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy; however, these often met with limited success.
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Housing Reforms: Various housing reforms were introduced to address poor living conditions, leading to some improvements. Nevertheless, these reforms were often criticized as inadequate and biased in their implementation.
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Civil Rights Movements: The emergence of the Civil Rights movement towards the end of this period showcased a more organized effort to address social inequalities. While it sought to rectify wrongs, it also highlighted the tensions between communities, culminating in increased violence.
In conclusion, while some measures were taken to tackle the problems, their effectiveness was limited, leading to continued unrest and the eventual escalation of conflict in the subsequent years.