'Trouble' In Ireland III: The 1960s & Civil Rights

In this series, we examine the very peculiar 'state' that came together in the North (or more accurately, the North-East) of Ireland from Protected content , and its troubled, still unresolved 'neither one thing nor another' existence ever since.

In Episode III: 'A Break In The Chain', we look at the factors that led to an uprising against the repressive nature of the Northern Ireland statelet in Protected content , and how contemporary events in the USA, Paris, and anti-colonial struggles across the world influenced its direction and course. We also review simultaneous re-awakenings of consciousness and steps towards freedom in the Republic.

The official narrative of the Protected content in Ireland paints the picture of the 'heroic' (but tragic) figures of Terence O'Neill and Seán Lemass as 'wise and well-meaning national premiers ahead of their time', seeking peace but being undermined by the irrational hatreds of the masses. We intend to challenge this fiction, and to show what in reality undermined the prospects for an end to sectarianism and a final settlement of the injustices of partition.

The approach follows the broad outline of my earlier 'Social History of Early Ireland' and 'What Was The USSR?' series, with an illustrated talk followed by a discussion. However, we will also watch a couple of short videos in this episode that add to our understanding.