Britain, c1851–1964 – Transformation and change, 1939–1964 (A-level only):…

The idea

Anglo-Irish relations and the condition of Ireland remained tense between 1939 and 1964, characterised by deep-rooted sectarian divisions and continuing north/south friction. The Republic of Ireland's departure from the Commonwealth in 1949 solidified partition, exacerbating tensions with Northern Ireland. This friction culminated in events like the September 1964 Divis Street riots in Belfast, sparked by the display of an Irish tricolour during an election campaign. Concurrently, the period saw the beginnings of the civil rights campaign in Northern Ireland. Influenced by global movements, Catholics began organising to protest against systemic discrimination in housing, employment, and voting rights, laying the groundwork for the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association and the subsequent Troubles.

What earns the marks

• Analyse the causes of continuing north/south friction, including the Republic of Ireland Act 1948 and the Ireland Act 1949 which guaranteed Northern Ireland's position within the UK.
• Describe the events and significance of the September 1964 riots in Belfast (Divis Street riots) as a manifestation of underlying sectarian tensions and unionist anxieties.
• Identify the systemic grievances of the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland, such as gerrymandering, unfair housing allocation, and employment discrimination.
• Trace the early origins of the civil rights campaign in the early 1960s, noting the influence of international civil rights movements and the emergence of groups like the Campaign for Social Justice (CSJ).

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing the early 1960s civil rights campaign with the later, more violent phase of the Troubles.

  Put it right by emphasising that the initial movement focused on peaceful protest and legislative reform.

• Assuming the September 1964 riots were a spontaneous, isolated event.

  Put it right by contextualising them within the long-standing unionist suppression of nationalist symbols, specifically the flying of the Irish tricolour.

• Treating 'Ireland' as a single political entity in this period.

  Put it right: Clearly distinguishing between the independent Republic of Ireland (south) and Northern Ireland (part of the UK) when discussing Anglo-Irish relations.

Exam tips

• Use the September 1964 riots as a specific case study to illustrate the volatility of sectarian relations and the fragility of peace before the official start of the Troubles.
• Connect the beginnings of the civil rights campaign to broader social changes, such as the emergence of a university-educated Catholic middle class benefiting from the post-war growth in education.
• When discussing Anglo-Irish relations, ensure you address the political stances of both the British government in Westminster and the Stormont government towards the Republic.