Modern Conflict in Irish History

One of the first modern conflicts in Irish History is the Northern Irish Conflict. Its chronology is the living proof of modern warfare.

Like all modern conflicts, this one was also influenced by economic differences and grievances. The north part of Ireland was, in the 1800’s, richer and more industrialized than the south part of the country. Unequal distribution of land in the south made the catholic masses very angry at their landlords, mostly Anglican Protestants.

Modern conflicts are usually defined by new technologies in weaponry like the case of the Panzer tanks that the Germans used in World War II. But massive armored vehicles aren’t the only aspect of a war. In the 20th century, wars happen because some groups develop paramilitary attributes, like IRA or the Irish Republican Army did. They began attacking cities and staging bloody riots. Ultimately they got involved in acts of terrorism like bombings. This is why, sometimes, modern wars are also called terrorism wars. Such actions kill many innocent and civilian lives.

Modern conflicts can also be identified because there is usually an external and foreign country that gets involved in the action or, ultimately, in the peace process. In the case of Ireland, England tried to start a peace process and, in 1995, the United States of America got involved by bringing in a mediator for the peace process. The IRA was asked to disarm, but it refused to do so.

The Northern Irish Conflict is one of the longest modern conflicts in Irish history because, even today, it is still at a stalemate. The IRA is still armed and dangerous, while non-profit organizations like the Irish Northern Aid tries to engage people, politicians and religious leaders in peace talks that will end the conflict and put a stop to the blood spilling.