National Conflict the Conflict Between

¶ … National Conflict The conflict between the English and the Irish is one that is based on animosity and mistrust of the other side. This is because Ireland has a long history of being conquered and occupied by foreign powers. The most notable occurred from 800 AD to 1938. During this time, a series of divisions emerged under the English system. This was designed to segregate different ethnic groups and religions. ("Irish," 2009) At the heart of their approach, was to create a series of customs and practices that were following British ideals.

This means that missionaries were sent to Ireland (who are protestant). Moreover, they wanted the Irish to be loyalists that were supportive of English polices and the rule of law. This created divisions between the Irish and the British. ("Irish," 2009) From 1938 onward, the majority of these issues were settled with most of the country partitioned as an independent nation. Those that supported the British (in Northern Ireland) remained as a part of England. This set off a civil war between the loyalists and seperatists.

The loyalists were those who supported England and wanted to see them maintain control of Northern Ireland. Whereas the separatists; wanted the British to leave the island completely. In the 1990s, a peace agreement was signed by the two sides. This created a situation where both groups shared power and access. ("Irish," 2009) (Cotrell, 2006) (Sachar, 2011) Conflict Sources What are the sources of this conflict? The sources of the conflict are based upon a number of factors that are interacting with each other.

This created a situation where the underlying amounts of violence, divisions and animosity increased. Over the course of time, this established a situation that caused the conflict to pass from one generation to the next. This is when the cycle endured and the patterns of anger perpetuated (leading to a civil war between the two sides). ("Irish," 2009) (Cotrell, 2006) (Sachar, 2011) There are number of causes behind the conflict in Northern Ireland to include: religion, influence / power and political representation. Religion is one of the largest factors that helped to perpetuate divisions.

This is because Ireland started out as a pagan country until 500 AD. This is when St. Patrick and other Catholic missionaries converted most of population. After 1171, is when the British began to occupy Ireland and changed their religious practices. In the Northern part of the country, more people were supportive of Protestant ideas. This is because they agreed with these beliefs and felt that Ireland should remain a part of England.

("Irish," 2009) (Cotrell, 2006) (Sachar, 2011) While the Catholics, wanted a nation that was free of English rule and did not have any connections to the Crown. This was dominated by state supported religion that was following the practices established by St. Patrick. These divisions are illustrating the differences between the two sides. Over the course of time, this helped to fuel increased amounts of anger and animosity. ("Irish," 2009) (Cotrell, 2006) (Sachar, 2011) Influence and power fermented animosity. This is because favoritism was provided to those individuals who are supportive of British policies.

These people had the opportunity to own land and become more upwardly mobile. Over the course of time, this helped to improve the economic prosperity of select groups. While the rest of society, was forced to live a life of poverty. Moreover, loyalists were given the chance to serve in positions of authority and power. This increased the divisions within Irish society. These policies were designed to reward those who: supported English religious traditions and economic / political practices.

("Irish," 2009) (Cotrell, 2006) (Sachar, 2011) Over the course of time, this made separatists more enraged. This is because of the preferences that were provided to this segment. For example, in the 19th century Ireland was going through a series of famines. What made the situation more severe is that loyalists were provided with additional resources.