The Troubles

In the 1960s, years of simmering tension in Northern Ireland spiralled into violence. Although primarily aligned along religious lines, paramilitary groups are broadly grouped as 'Republicans', seeking a unified independent Irish state, and 'Unionists' or 'Loyalists' wanting to keep Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. In 1969, British soldiers were deployed as peace-keepers, but soon became the target of violence from both sides.