Why did Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland split?

Answer 1

People from Scotland settled in the north east part of Ireland 400 years ago to try and colonise the island and make the people British. Ireland became part of the UK when a parliament that only protestants could join passed the act of union. only 10% of the population were protestant in Ireland.

Ireland fought for its Independence, which was granted but with one condition. that 6 counties in the north east of the island stay with the UK. So the country was split in two. Creating the Irish Free State, (later to be called the Republic of Ireland and often incorrectly referred to as Southern Ireland) and Northern Ireland,. The Irish Free State was to be a self governing territory of Britain with its King, Gerorge. Meanwhile in Northern Irelandi, these 6 counties were not 100% British and protestant, they were 45% Irish catholic. So the two groups started fighting and killing each other. Irish wanted the six counties (Northern Ireland) to leave the UK and join the rest of the island as a republic, separate from the UK. But the British wanted it to stay with the UK.

There is peace now, with a shared government, no one party is allowed to have an overall rule, but people still regard themselves as British or Irish. Most Irish people in Northern Ireland have Irish passports, even though they were born in a part of the UK which would make them British. but you can choose your nationality in Northern Ireland, a unique situation in the world.

Answer 2

:)

Ireland was traditionally a Catholic country, since the conversion of pagan chieftains by Saint Patrick in pre-mediaeval times. When Britain colonised Ireland, they imposed the Protestant religion and punished those loyal to the Pope. Despite over 800 years of rule by Britain, Ireland remained a staunchly Catholic nation. When the British government finally returned Ireland's independence in 1921, they retained 6 of the country's counties - these became known as Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland had a predominantly Protestant population and the Catholic citizens were generally opposed to being part of the United Kingdom while Protestants wished to remain in union with the Crown. The Protestant majority discriminated against Catholics and Nationalists for many decades and violent groups on both sides began a terrorist war over the land. This war lasted over 25 years, until a ceasefire paved the way for the current peaceful power-sharing government.

Prior to the Norman invasion, Ireland was ruled by a monarchy. As a result of the invasion and disunity among Irish chiefs, the monarchy was overthrown. One of the aims of Pobal na hEirean is to restore the Irish monarchy. King Eachaidh dividied Ireland into five provinces..

Answer 3

The short answer is that in the sixteenth/seventeenth centuries the northern counties of Ireland (Ulster) were settled by "planters" from Britain. The descendants of these planters are culturally and religiously different from the "native" Irish, and are pro-union with Britain (unionist). When, in the early twentieth century, Ireland sought independence from the United Kingdom the unionists sought and achieved partition to avoid being a minority in an independent Ireland. Unfortunately some nationalists were then made a minority in Northern Ireland...and so the conflict continued...

Answer 4

It all started with religion.

The period of 1517-1648 was known as the Reformation. A preist named Martin Luther (yes, Martin Luther King was named after him) declared a number of ways in which the Church should improve, including preists should marry, and the way of transubstanciation (the transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of christ) ahould in fact be substanciation (symbolising the bread and wine as the body and blood of christ).

i mention this period of time, because as a result, the formation of the Protestant church accured, and many civil wars and rebellions occured in many countries as a result, including England. Ireland, however, did not, thus remaining true to Roman Catholicism.

By the time Elizabeth Tudor (Elizabeth 1st) became queen, England became a Protestant nation. But because there is always a risk of invasion by powerful Catholic nations, such as Spain and France, having Ireland so close the England, and being Catholic, for the sake of national protection and independance, England set up Prostestant settlements in the north of ireland.

What you must keep in mind however, is the devision didnt occur until the 20th century. Post-WW1, Ireland's native people was getting unsettled with the unfair elctions in the north via Gerrymanderring by Protestant leaders. they rebel, and England, recoving from the war, send traumatised soldiers to 'defend' the north. what actually happened, was the abuse and murders of rebels and innocent civillians.

Eventually, in 1937, the country was devided, the north named Ulster, and the south named Eire (commonly known as The Republic of Ireland), thus causing the formion of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and the continueous conflicts to date.

So, on the whole, the cause for the division is religion =)

Answer 5

Ireland was part of the United Kingdom and wanted independence. In 1922 part of Ireland became independent, now known as the Republic of Ireland. When it became independent Northern Ireland was created and stayed part of the United Kingdom, as that is what they people there wanted. Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom.

Answer 6

Protestants and Catholics. Loyalists and Republicans.

Answer 7

There was a civil war due to different religions and beliefs etc, which sparked fury and caused Ireland to 'split'.

Answer 8

They 2 sides were rivals against each other because they had unfair laws through out the country. So, they divided it up into 2 parts so it wouldn't turn into wars.