Mass Killing of Irish Nationalists in Belfast
November 22nd, 1921
November 22nd, 1921

How Long Ago?
103 years, 3 months, 20 days ago
Location
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
The Troubles
Links & References
Tags
Mass Killing of Irish Nationalists in Belfast
On this day, twenty-two Irish Nationalists were killed in Belfast as tensions surged amid the ongoing conflict of The Troubles. The violence erupted as rival factions clashed, exacerbated by the broader political strife occurring in Ireland between Nationalists and Unionists. Belfast, with its divided loyalties, became a flashpoint for this deadly confrontation, highlighting the intense sectarian animosities that characterized the period. The significance of these events resonated through the communities involved, marking a stark escalation in the violence of the times.
Twenty-two Nationalists were killed in Belfast.
The violence marked a peak in sectarian conflict.
Belfast was a central location for The Troubles.
The killings influenced future peace negotiations.
What Happened?
Throughout the early 20th century, Ireland grappled with political divisions, primarily between Nationalists seeking independence and Unionists wishing to remain part of the United Kingdom. In Belfast, tensions were heightened between these groups, leading to violent clashes and incidents. The death of twenty-two Irish Nationalists in a single day punctuated the violence characteristic of this period often referred to as The Troubles, which stretched from the 1920s into the late 1990s. The events of this day unfolded as a culmination of rising hostilities that had previously seen numerous confrontations. As various factions within the city engaged in brutal skirmishes, the fatalities underscored the perilous atmosphere in urban areas, particularly in places like Belfast, where community divisions were deeply entrenched. The victims represented a significant loss for the Nationalist community, with their deaths reverberating throughout Ireland's political landscape. Amid the backdrop of the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, the violence disrupted attempts at peace and reconciliation.
Why Does it Matter?
This incident is pivotal in understanding the complex nature of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. It highlights the fragility of peace efforts and the deep-seated divisions that would continue to fuel conflict for decades. The killing of such a large number of individuals in one day served as a chilling reminder of the potential for violence amid political strife and the challenges of negotiating peace in a divided society.
Discover More Historic Events from November 22nd
Shooting at Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia
A tragic shooting occurred at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia, where a disgruntled employee opened fire on fellow workers, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including the shooter. The incident unfolded in the late evening hours, causing widespread panic in the store. Four additional workers suffered injuries as a result of the attack, making the scale of the tragedy significant. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, had been employed at that location, raising questions about workplace relations and mental health issues among employees.
Continue ReadingTamir Rice Shot by Police in Cleveland
Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy, was playing with a toy gun in a park when a white police officer shot him. The police received a 911 call reporting a person brandishing a gun, but they were not informed that the weapon might be a toy. The confrontation led to Tamir's death, raising significant discussions on race and police use of force.
Continue ReadingKoh Pich Stampede During Water Festival
During the Cambodian Water Festival in Phnom Penh, a stampede occurred on Koh Pich Island resulting in 347 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The chaos unfolded as festival-goers attempted to cross a crowded bridge, leading to severe overcrowding and panic. Emergency services responded quickly, but the event marked a tragic moment in the celebrations that usually embody national unity and culture. The tragedy raised awareness about safety protocols during large public events.
Continue ReadingOrange Revolution Erupts in Ukraine
In Ukraine, widespread protests erupted following the controversial results of the presidential election. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Kyiv and other cities to challenge the officially declared victory of Viktor Yanukovych over Viktor Yuschenko, whom many viewed as the rightful winner. The protests, marked by the color orange symbolizing Yuschenko's campaign, became a significant movement for democracy and electoral reform. Citizens demanded a re-run of the election due to allegations of fraud and manipulation, leading to a sustained occupation of Independence Square.
Continue ReadingDHL Cargo Plane Missile Attack Complication
A DHL Express cargo aircraft was targeted shortly after its takeoff from Baghdad International Airport when it was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The aircraft, managing to sustain a degree of control despite the damage, made an emergency landing at the airport. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported among the crew, highlighting the aircraft's resilience under duress.
Continue ReadingRunway Collision at St. Louis Airport
A Trans World Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 collided with a Cessna 441 Conquest II on the runway at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left eight others injured. The collision took place while the MD-80 was taxiing for takeoff when it struck the smaller aircraft, which was taxiing out for departure. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to address the casualties and investigate the cause of the accident.
Continue Reading