THE TROUBLES Meaning and
Definition
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The Troubles refer to a period of intense political and sectarian violence that occurred in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. It primarily involved the conflict between two main communities: the nationalist Catholic population, who aimed for the unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland, and the unionist Protestant community, who desired to maintain Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom.
The Troubles were characterized by bombings, armed attacks, riots, and widespread civil unrest. The violence was predominantly carried out by paramilitary organizations from both sides, such as the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). The conflict resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and caused significant social, economic, and political disruption.
The root causes of the Troubles stemmed from long-standing historical and political grievances, including issues of discrimination, inequality, and a lack of political representation for the Catholic minority. The conflict was further exacerbated by the introduction of discriminatory policies, such as gerrymandering and state repression, which further inflamed tensions between the two communities.
The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 marked a significant turning point in the Troubles, leading to a ceasefire and a commitment to a peaceful and democratic process. It aimed to find a political solution through power-sharing arrangements, addressing previous grievances, and fostering cross-community cooperation.
Today, the Troubles are often referred to as a dark chapter in Northern Ireland's history, serving as a reminder of the consequences of political and sectarian divisions, and the need for ongoing reconciliation and peace-building efforts.
Common Misspellings for THE TROUBLES
- rhe troubles
- fhe troubles
- ghe troubles
- yhe troubles
- 6he troubles
- 5he troubles
- tge troubles
- tbe troubles
- tne troubles
- tje troubles
- tue troubles
- tye troubles
- thw troubles
- ths troubles
- thd troubles
- thr troubles
- th4 troubles
- th3 troubles
- the rroubles
- the froubles
Etymology of THE TROUBLES
The term "the Troubles" is predominantly used to refer to the violent conflict that occurred in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The etymology of the phrase itself is rooted in the English language.
The word "Troubles" in this context relates to the description of political and sectarian violence that plagued Northern Ireland during those decades. It is a descriptive term used to encapsulate the complex and tumultuous nature of the conflict.
The definite article "the" is added to make it a proper noun and to distinguish it from general troubles or difficulties experienced in everyday life. By capitalizing "T" in "the Troubles", it emphasizes its reference to the specific historical period and conflict in Northern Ireland.
Idioms with the word THE TROUBLES
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the Troubles
The Troubles refer to a period of conflict in Northern Ireland characterized by violence, bombings, and politically-motivated attacks between the late 1960s and late 1990s.
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