Historical Events tagged with "belfast"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bobby Sands Commences Hunger Strike

March 1st, 1981 44 years ago

Bobby Sands, a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army, began a hunger strike in HM Prison Maze on March 1, 1981. This hunger strike was part of a protest against the British government's denial of political status to IRA prisoners. Sands and other prisoners sought to regain rights they believed were stripped away following a change in legislation. The strike was intended to draw international attention to their plight and the broader issue of Northern Ireland's political situation.

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Military & Warfare

Provisional IRA Bombing at La Mon Restaurant

February 17th, 1978 47 years ago

The Provisional IRA detonated an incendiary bomb at the La Mon restaurant near Belfast, killing 12 people and injuring 30 others, all of whom were Protestant. This attack was part of the ongoing conflict known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland that pitted Catholic nationalists against Protestant unionists. The restaurant was a popular dining destination, and the bombing occurred during a dinner service, exacerbating the tragedy and drawing national attention.

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Politics & Government

Collapse of the Sunningdale Agreement

May 28th, 1974 50 years ago

The Sunningdale Agreement faced a significant challenge when a general strike was called by loyalists in Northern Ireland, protesting against the power-sharing arrangement. This strike aimed to undermine the newly formed executive that included both unionists and nationalists, demonstrating the intense opposition from the loyalist community. The turmoil resulted in various disruptions across the region, leading to a crisis that ultimately saw the agreement fail to establish lasting peace and governance.

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Military & Warfare

Provisional IRA's Bombing Rampage in Belfast

July 21st, 1972 52 years ago

In central Belfast, the Provisional IRA detonated 22 bombs in rapid succession, causing chaos and destruction. The attacks occurred over a span of just 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuring 130 others. This intense bombing campaign was part of the broader conflict known as The Troubles, which revolved around the political and nationalistic conflict in Northern Ireland. The choice of targets and the timing highlighted the IRA's intent to showcase their operational capability and strike fear into the heart of the British administration in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Belfast Car Bombing Sparks Violent Clash

May 13th, 1972 52 years ago

A car bombing near a crowded pub in Belfast led to a violent clash involving the Provisional IRA, the Ulster Volunteer Force, and the British Army. The explosion killed seven individuals and injured over 66 others, igniting a tense, two-day confrontation in the city. This incident reflects the deepening sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.

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Military & Warfare

Provisional IRA's first car bombing in Belfast

March 20th, 1972 52 years ago

In Belfast, a car bomb detonated by the Provisional IRA killed seven individuals and injured 148 others. The attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict in Northern Ireland, showcasing the group’s increasing use of violence. The bombing targeted a crowded area, emphasizing the risks faced by civilians amid the violence of The Troubles.

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Politics & Government

Operation Demetrius and Mass Arrests in Northern Ireland

August 9th, 1971 53 years ago

In Northern Ireland, British authorities initiated Operation Demetrius, which involved the mass arrest and internment without trial of suspected members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA). The operation sparked widespread unrest, leading to significant riots, protests, and the dislocation of thousands from their homes. The initiative aimed to suppress the escalating violence associated with the conflict but resulted in further tensions and societal divisions.

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Politics & Government

The Falls Curfew Begins in Belfast

July 3rd, 1970 54 years ago

In March 1970, the British Army imposed a curfew in the Falls Road area of Belfast, Northern Ireland, amid increasing tensions during The Troubles. This response aimed to curb violence and unrest associated with the nationalist community. The curfew began on a Sunday, leading authorities to take extra measures to secure the area, affecting local residents and leading to significant confrontations between the military and the local population. The curfew was a contentious measure, seen by many as an infringement on civil liberties.

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Military & Warfare

British Troops Deployed Amid Rising Violence

August 14th, 1969 55 years ago

In August 1969, political and sectarian violence surged in Northern Ireland, leading to the deployment of British troops to the region. The unrest ignited due to long-standing tensions between the nationalist Catholic community and the unionist Protestant community. The violence primarily erupted in areas such as Derry and Belfast, where riots, arson, and clashes between communities occurred. This marked the beginning of Operation Banner, a military operation tasked with maintaining peace in the area. The British government aimed to prevent civil disorder and protect civilians amidst escalating conflict while restoring law and order.

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