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Belfast is a place that is deeply rooted in conflict, dating back to the seventeenth century. Conflict began between Unionists and Nationalists, it stemmed from religious differences among the Irish. Belfast has long been a victim to terrorism and destruction, suffering through many periods of strife and desolation. Following World War II, the conflict between staying loyal to Britain and becoming an independent country grew tremendously. Thousands of people lost their lives, their homes, and their sense of security. Although the Republic became its own country in 1921, conflict was not resolved between the Republic and the North. Terrorism, hatred and senseless fighting were still a major issue through the early 1990's.
Conflict is still prevalent in Belfast today. The city is divided into sects of moral, political and religious beliefs. The British and Irish governments were at odds; the British wanted Ireland as a part of the United Kingdom, but the Republic wanted Ireland to become a unified independent country. The conflict remaining in Belfast today is Irish against Irish; those who want to remain under British rule, and those who want to be united and free.
The IRA announced a complete cease fire in August of 1994. As a result there were less forces against violence and the number of troops throughout the town was greatly reduced. However, only four years later, the IRA went back on their word and planted a bomb killing several people. The IRA has been inconsistent over the years in what they told the public. After the bombing in 1998, things were quiet and they again called a cease fire in July of 2005.
Although the violence has significantly decreased over the past several years, people are still affected by it. The people of Ireland hold deep grudges against the fighting and against each other. In the end, people were unable to understand each other because in their minds everything was black and white, while in reality everything was totally gray. Both sides fought for what they believed to be right and the best for Ireland; because of this, Belfast became a very segregated city. In an attempt to quiet the prejudices between Protestants and Catholics the British government built several barriers throughout the city in 1969. These barriers still stand tall today as a constant reminder of “The Troubles” and the inability to find peace.
There is possibility that in the future the walls could come down, but not until the local residents of both sides agree that it is for the best. Emotional turmoil still remains, hindering the progress of reconciliation. Both sides fear that if the barriers come down, distress will return and fighting will continue.
This continual event in history has taught us much about who the Irish are. It taught us to look at things from a different perspective, the conflict became much more real after visiting and learning about it from the Unionist side. We were surprised to see how prevalent the conflict has been throughout the years in Ireland because it is such a religious country, we thought they would be more willing to look past the differences and focus on the similarities. We could feel the tension while we walked through the city. It had a very downcast mood. This was portrayed by the murals surrounding the town, the weather, and the overall lack of excitement. Looking around the town and learning more of its history really grieved us. There are memorials all through the city that have the names and ages of several victims who were murdered during the conflict in Northern Ireland. This really hit home with us, because we could put a names to the stories; the statistics became more than just numbers, they became real. We cannot fully comprehend what went on in Belfast and the intricate history, but the saying still rings true, “The Irish never forget, the English never remember”.
Conflict is still prevalent in Belfast today. The city is divided into sects of moral, political and religious beliefs. The British and Irish governments were at odds; the British wanted Ireland as a part of the United Kingdom, but the Republic wanted Ireland to become a unified independent country. The conflict remaining in Belfast today is Irish against Irish; those who want to remain under British rule, and those who want to be united and free.
The IRA announced a complete cease fire in August of 1994. As a result there were less forces against violence and the number of troops throughout the town was greatly reduced. However, only four years later, the IRA went back on their word and planted a bomb killing several people. The IRA has been inconsistent over the years in what they told the public. After the bombing in 1998, things were quiet and they again called a cease fire in July of 2005.
Although the violence has significantly decreased over the past several years, people are still affected by it. The people of Ireland hold deep grudges against the fighting and against each other. In the end, people were unable to understand each other because in their minds everything was black and white, while in reality everything was totally gray. Both sides fought for what they believed to be right and the best for Ireland; because of this, Belfast became a very segregated city. In an attempt to quiet the prejudices between Protestants and Catholics the British government built several barriers throughout the city in 1969. These barriers still stand tall today as a constant reminder of “The Troubles” and the inability to find peace.
There is possibility that in the future the walls could come down, but not until the local residents of both sides agree that it is for the best. Emotional turmoil still remains, hindering the progress of reconciliation. Both sides fear that if the barriers come down, distress will return and fighting will continue.
This continual event in history has taught us much about who the Irish are. It taught us to look at things from a different perspective, the conflict became much more real after visiting and learning about it from the Unionist side. We were surprised to see how prevalent the conflict has been throughout the years in Ireland because it is such a religious country, we thought they would be more willing to look past the differences and focus on the similarities. We could feel the tension while we walked through the city. It had a very downcast mood. This was portrayed by the murals surrounding the town, the weather, and the overall lack of excitement. Looking around the town and learning more of its history really grieved us. There are memorials all through the city that have the names and ages of several victims who were murdered during the conflict in Northern Ireland. This really hit home with us, because we could put a names to the stories; the statistics became more than just numbers, they became real. We cannot fully comprehend what went on in Belfast and the intricate history, but the saying still rings true, “The Irish never forget, the English never remember”.