Ireland in the 80S

Ireland in the 80's

Maelya CORTAY

Introduction

Ireland in the 1980s was a time of significant social and economic change. The country was in the midst of a recession with high unemployment rates, a struggling economy, and political unrest, particularly in Northern Ireland where the conflict known as "The Troubles" continued to affect the region. The decade was marked by resilience and growth, as well as important steps towards peace and stability in the region.

Te TRoubles:

The conflict in Northern Ireland, known as "The Troubles," was a complex and long-standing issue with roots in the country's history, politics, and social divisions. At its core, the conflict was a result of competing claims to the region by the mostly Protestant unionists who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom and the mostly Catholic nationalists who sought Irish reunification.

Ireland

Struggling economy

During the 1980s, Ireland's economy was struggling due to a recession and a heavy reliance on agriculture and traditional industries. This led to high levels of poverty, social inequality, and emigration. However, the challenges also prompted the country to modernize its economy, leading to future growth and prosperity.

The politicical issues : The Troubles

In the 1980s, the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as "The Troubles," continued to be a major issue for Ireland and the wider region. The conflict was characterized by sectarian violence, political polarization, and paramilitary groups on both sides, and it had been ongoing since the late 1960s. The 1980s saw a continuation of the violence and tension, with bombings, shootings, and other attacks carried out by both loyalist and republican groups. The British government was also heavily involved in the conflict, deploying troops to the region and implementing various security measures. The Troubles had a significant impact on Northern Ireland and the wider region, resulting in thousands of deaths, injuries, and displacement, as well as economic and social disruption. The conflict was a major focus of political attention and debate, both in Ireland and internationally, and it would eventually be addressed through the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Bloody sunday

Even if it was in the early 70s, Bloody Sunday had a profound impact on Northern Ireland and the broader context of The Troubles. The event intensified anti-British sentiment in Ireland and fueled support for the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), which had been formed in the late 1960s in response to discrimination against Catholics and other injustices. The event also led to a period of heightened violence and unrest, as the communities on both sides of the sectarian divide became more polarized.

The hunger strikes in 1981

Even if it was in the early 70s, Bloody Sunday had a profound impact on Northern Ireland and the broader context of The Troubles. The event intensified anti-British sentiment in Ireland and fueled support for the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), which had been formed in the late 1960s in response to discrimination against Catholics and other injustices. The event also led to a period of heightened violence and unrest, as the communities on both sides of the sectarian divide became more polarized.

The hunger strikes in 1981 : Bobby Sands

Bobby Sands was a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and a key figure in the hunger strikes that took place in Northern Ireland in 1981. He became involved in the republican movement in his youth, joining the IRA in the early 1970s. Sands was arrested in 1977 and sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession of firearms. He quickly became involved in the campaign for political status for republican prisoners, which included a demand for the right to wear their own clothes and to be housed separately from other prisoners. When the British government refused to grant these demands, Sands and several other republican prisoners embarked on a hunger strike in March 1981.

This period in pop culture:

Musicians such as U2, The Pogues, and Sinead O'Connor tackled political themes in their songs and used their music to raise awareness of social issues. The Pogues' song "Fairytale of New York" is a well-known example of their use of music to highlight the struggles of Irish emigrants during the period. Irish literature also explored themes of poverty, emigration, and social unrest, with authors such as Roddy Doyle, Seamus Heaney, and Brian Friel producing influential works during this time.

In film, Irish cinema began to emerge as a distinctive genre with the likes of My Left Foot (1989) and The Commitments (1991) both depicting working-class life in Dublin. These films portrayed the social and economic challenges of 1980s Ireland, as well as the resilience and humor of Irish people in the face of adversity.

This period in pop culture:

"Derry Girls" is a popular television show that premiered in 2018 and is set in Derry, Northern Ireland during the 1990s, towards the end of The Troubles. While it is not specifically about the 1980s, it does depict life in Northern Ireland during a period of political and social upheaval, and therefore shares some similarities with the challenges faced by people in the 1980s. The show follows the lives of five teenagers attending a Catholic girls' school, and explores their experiences of growing up in a politically charged environment. The characters navigate issues such as religious and political division, gender roles, and social norms, while also dealing with the everyday challenges of teenage life.

Conclusion

Overall, the 1980s were a decade of contrasts for Ireland. While the Republic of Ireland experienced a period of economic growth and cultural flourishing, Northern Ireland continued to be marked by sectarian violence and political instability. However, the events of this decade helped to shape the course of Ireland's future, and paved the way for the peace process and the development of a more stable and prosperous country in the decades that followed.