1921: Tension and Violence

It is important to recognise that whilst Southern Ireland is important in this unit, the term 'partition' does dictate that there are two sides. To that end, it is essential to grasp Northern Irish affairs when exploring this unit. After all, there is a case study dedicated to NI as well. These notes will look at the establishment of a Northern Irish state, as well as how violence and disillusionment became commonplace in NI in the 1920s due to the myriad of issues happening in the south, both politically and socially.

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How 'Northern Ireland' Was Founded

• The establishment of Northern Ireland in 1921 was a direct result of the Government of Ireland Act 1920, which aimed to create two separate entities within Ireland: Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland.
• This act was introduced by the British government as a response to the ongoing conflict and demands for Irish independence. It also addressed the concerns of the Unionist population in the north who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom.
• Northern Ireland was created to consist of six counties—Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone—where there was a Protestant Unionist majority.
• These counties were chosen specifically because they had a significant Protestant population, which was strongly opposed to Home Rule, fearing it would lead to Catholic domination.
• The new government of Northern Ireland was given its own parliament at Stormont, with control over domestic affairs, while Westminster retained authority over issues such as foreign policy and defence.
• On 22 June 1921, King George V officially opened the Parliament of Northern Ireland, marking the formal establishment of the state.
• This event signified the partition of Ireland, a divisive issue that would have lasting implications.
• While Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom, the creation of this separate entity led to decades of tension and conflict between the Unionist and Nationalist communities and between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State.

The Unionist Reaction to the Anglo-Irish Treaty

• The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, which led to the creation of the Irish Free State, was met with a mixed reaction among Irish Unionists, particularly those in the newly established Northern Ireland.
• Unionists, who had long opposed Irish independence and Home Rule, were relieved that the Treaty acknowledged Northern Ireland's separate status and allowed it to remain part of the United Kingdom.
• This was seen as a victory for Unionist leaders such as James Craig, who had campaigned vigorously against any form of Irish unity.
• However, despite their relief, many Unionists were wary of the Treaty's provisions, particularly the establishment of the Boundary Commission.
• This commission was tasked with determining the final borders between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State based on the wishes of the local populations.
• Unionists feared that the commission might result in the transfer of predominantly Catholic areas, such as parts of Fermanagh and Tyrone, to the Free State, weakening their majority and political power in Northern Ireland.
• The Treaty also heightened sectarian tensions within Northern Ireland. Unionists, who were predominantly Protestant, saw the Treaty as a threat to their identity and way of life.
• In response, they intensified efforts to solidify their control over the new state, leading to increased discrimination against the Catholic minority. This tension laid the groundwork for the sectarian divide that would define Northern Irish politics and society for much of the 20th century.

Dawson Bates and the Special Powers Act

• Dawson Bates played a significant role in shaping the security framework of Northern Ireland during its early years.
• As the first Minister of Home Affairs in the Northern Irish government, Bates maintained law and order in a state marked by deep sectarian divisions and political unrest.
• One of his most controversial legacies was the introduction of the Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Act in 1922, commonly known as the Special Powers Act.
• The Special Powers Act was initially presented as a temporary measure to deal with the immediate threat of violence and instability following the establishment of Northern Ireland.
• The Act granted the government sweeping powers to maintain public order, including arresting and detain individuals without trial, searching properties without warrants, and imposing curfews. It also allowed for the suppression of publications and meetings deemed seditious.
• While the Act was intended to be a short-term solution, it was repeatedly renewed and became a permanent fixture in Northern Ireland's legal landscape. Bates, a staunch Unionist, used the Special Powers Act primarily to suppress nationalist and republican activities, which he and other Unionist leaders viewed as existential threats to the state.
• The Act was heavily criticised for its draconian measures and was seen by many, particularly within the Catholic community, as a tool of repression.
• The legacy of the Special Powers Act contributed to the deep mistrust between the Catholic minority and the Unionist-controlled government, fueling the sectarian tensions that would eventually erupt into the Troubles in the late 1960s.
• Despite its controversial nature, the Act remained in force until 1973, underscoring the Unionist government's reliance on extraordinary measures to maintain control over Northern Ireland.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary: Its Role and Use

• The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was established in June 1922, following the partition of Ireland and the creation of Northern Ireland.

• The RUC was intended to be the main police force for the new state, tasked with maintaining law and order in a deeply divided society.

• Its formation was a direct response to the need for a strong, loyal police force that could ensure the stability and security of Northern Ireland amidst ongoing sectarian violence and political unrest.

  

• From its inception, the RUC was predominantly Protestant, reflecting the Unionist government's desire to have a police force that was loyal to the state.

• This demographic imbalance led to accusations of bias and discrimination, particularly from the Catholic community, who felt that the RUC was used as an instrument of Unionist power.

• The RUC was closely associated with enforcing the Special Powers Act, and its officers were often involved in carrying out raids, arrests, and other operations aimed at suppressing nationalist activities.

• The RUC was not only responsible for traditional policing duties but also played a crucial role in countering the threat posed by the IRA and other republican groups.

• Its role was often militarised, and the force operated in a quasi-military fashion, particularly during times of heightened tension.

• The close relationship between the RUC and the Unionist government further solidified its image as a protector of the Protestant community and the Unionist state.

• Despite its controversial role, the RUC was seen by Unionists as essential for the survival of Northern Ireland during its formative years.

• However, its actions and perceived bias contributed to the alienation of the Catholic minority, exacerbating the sectarian divide.

• The legacy of the RUC remained contentious, and its role during this period laid the groundwork for the policing challenges that would emerge during the Troubles.

• The RUC continued to operate until it was reformed and replaced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2001 as part of the peace process.