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Abstract of Important Events - Deployment of British troops



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Text and Research: Martin Melaugh
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Introduction

This is one of a number of files which provide a very brief abstract of important events during the Northern Ireland conflict. Some of the events are dealt with in greater detail elsewhere (check, for example, Key Events and the corresponding entry in the chronology).


The Deployment of British troops

The civil unrest in Northern Ireland that had begun in 1968 reached a peak in the summer of 1969. The 'marching season' sparked riots in Derry in July but the worst rioting occurred in August 1969 following the annual Apprentice Boys march in Derry. After three days of rioting, which became known as the 'Battle of the Bogside', the British Government agreed that British troops could be deployed on the streets of Northern Ireland. While responsibility for security was to remain with the Stormont Government, the decision to deploy British troops meant that the British Government would inevitably take a more active role in Northern Ireland affairs. Many Unionist politicians, while welcoming the British troops, resented the additional interference in their handling of Northern Ireland matters. Indeed this was the first step down a road that was to lead to the establishment of 'direct rule' from Westminster.



CAIN contains information and source material on the conflict and politics in Northern Ireland.
CAIN is based within Ulster University.


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