January 18, 2021

The ReImagining Miniseries: From Religious Conflict to Political Instability: The "Troubles" in Northern Ireland and Potential U.S. Parallels

1 hour 37 minutes

We're taking a look at the Irish civil war and the conditions that led up to it and its conclusion with comedian and historian, Nash Flynn. What parallels do we see playing out here in the United States, and what can we learn from the efforts of the IRA?

Note: Michael Collins died in a shootout stemming from a car ambush, not a car bomb.

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" examines the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland, exploring the deep-seated historical and socio-economic factors that contributed to this decades-long conflict. The hosts, Andy and Elliot, along with guest Nash Flynn, a historian and comedian, trace the roots of the conflict back centuries, highlighting the impact of British colonialism, religious divisions, and economic inequality. They draw parallels between the events in Northern Ireland and the current political and social climate in the United States, raising concerns about the potential for similar unrest.

A Legacy of Colonialism and Religious Divide:

The discussion begins by acknowledging the long and fraught history between Ireland and Britain. Nash Flynn emphasizes that the Norman conquest of Ireland in 1169 laid the groundwork for centuries of British control and influence. However, the religious divide, specifically the imposition of Protestantism by Henry VIII in the 16th century, is identified as a pivotal moment that intensified tensions. This attempt to force a Protestant identity onto a staunchly Catholic population created a deep resentment that persisted for generations.

The Great Hunger: Fueling Resentment and a Desire for Independence:

The episode highlights the devastating impact of the Irish Potato Famine, or the "Great Hunger" as it's known in Ireland, in the mid-1840s. Nash Flynn stresses that while the British often portrayed the famine as a result of Irish reliance on potatoes, it was actually a consequence of British policies that denied the Irish access to food and land. This event, which resulted in widespread death and displacement, further solidified anti-British sentiment and fueled the fight for Irish independence.

The Rise of Irish Nationalism and the Struggle for Home Rule:

The episode traces the emergence of Irish nationalism, particularly in the aftermath of the Great Hunger. The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), formed in 1914, and its military wing, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), played key roles in the struggle for independence. The Easter Rising of 1916, though unsuccessful, further galvanized Irish resistance and cemented the desire for self-determination. The formation of Sinn Féin as a political party in 1918 and their establishment of an unauthorized Irish parliament signaled a clear break from British rule.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty: A Divisive Compromise and the Seeds of the "Troubles":

The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, brokered by Michael Collins, granted Ireland partial independence as the Irish Free State but partitioned the island, leaving six counties in the north under British control. This compromise, while a significant step towards independence, deeply divided the Irish people and sparked a civil war. The assassination of Collins by members of the IRA further fueled tensions and set the stage for the protracted conflict known as the "Troubles".

The "Troubles": Decades of Violence and Political Instability:

The episode explores the complex dynamics of the "Troubles", a period marked by cyclical violence and political deadlock. The conflict involved multiple actors, including the IRA, loyalist paramilitary groups, and the British Army. The episode highlights specific events, like the Battle of the Bogside in 1969 and Bloody Sunday in 1972, that escalated tensions and led to increased militarization.

The hosts note that the "Troubles" weren't simply a two-sided conflict. The IRA, while fighting for a united Ireland, also targeted the British military. Loyalist paramilitaries, determined to maintain ties with Britain, clashed with both the IRA and the British Army, creating a volatile three-way struggle.

Economic Inequality as an Accelerant:

The episode emphasizes the role of economic inequality in fueling the conflict. In Northern Ireland, Protestants held a disproportionate share of economic power, leaving Catholics marginalized and resentful. This economic disparity exacerbated existing religious and political tensions, creating a fertile ground for violence. The hosts draw parallels to the current situation in the United States, where growing economic inequality and social unrest are seen as potential triggers for similar instability.

Margaret Thatcher and the Shifting Tide:

The episode discusses the impact of Margaret Thatcher's tenure as British Prime Minister (1979-1990) on the "Troubles". Her hardline stance against the IRA and her response to the 1984 assassination attempt, which nearly killed her, further escalated the conflict. However, the increasing weariness of the British public towards the prolonged violence and the IRA's own shift towards a more political approach, particularly under Gerry Adams' leadership in the late 1980s, opened the door for peace talks.

A Legacy of Violence and Lessons for the United States:

The episode concludes by reflecting on the human cost of the "Troubles", noting that over 3,500 people were killed, a significant portion of whom were civilians. The hosts extrapolate this figure to the U.S. population, arriving at a staggering 681,000 potential deaths if a similar conflict were to erupt in the United States. They express concern that the current political climate in the U.S., characterized by deep divisions and the rise of extremism, could create conditions ripe for violence.

The episode underscores the need for dialogue, compromise, and a focus on shared goals to prevent a descent into chaos. The hosts, along with Nash Flynn, urge listeners to draw lessons from the "Troubles" and work towards building a more just and equitable society that can withstand the pressures of political and social upheaval.

Sources:

Tim Pat Coogan, The Troubles: Irelands Ordeal and the Search for Peace

Kevin Toolis, Rebel Hearts: Journeys Within the IRA's Soul

Charles Rivers Editors compilation, The Partition of Ireland and the Troubles: The History of Northern Ireland from the Irish Civil War to the Good Friday Agreement

To get more content from Nash Flynn, including her upcoming book "Death is For Everybody" (2025), released by Bread & Roses Press visit: www.itsnashflynn.com & https://breadandrosespress.com/

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