Empire
242. The Troubles: Bloody Sunday & The British Army in Belfast (Ep 2)
Mar 31, 2025
Joining the discussion is Patrick Radden Keefe, the acclaimed author of 'Say Nothing,' known for his insights into the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He delves into the British Army’s internment policy and its impact on IRA recruitment. The conversation also highlights the transformation of peaceful protestors like the Price sisters into IRA fighters. Furthermore, Keefe examines the chilling events of Bloody Sunday and the colonial roots of British counter-insurgency tactics, adding depth to this turbulent history.
40:40
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Quick takeaways
- The British Army's internment policy alienated the local population, inadvertently increasing support for the Provisional IRA amidst civil unrest.
- The contrasting approaches between the provisional and official IRA factions led to significant internal divisions that complicated the broader conflict.
Deep dives
Escalation of Conflict in Northern Ireland
The violent escalation of conflict in Northern Ireland began with the Summer of 1969, marked by incidents like the Battle of the Bogside. The IRA's provisional wing emerged as a key player, initiating a significant bombing campaign aimed at the business infrastructure, which they perceived as a tool of British power. By the end of 1970, the number of bomb explosions reached alarming figures, with reports of over 150 incidents, leading to widespread terror among civilians. The provisional IRA attempted to minimize civilian casualties by issuing warnings, but communication failures often resulted in tragic and unintended loss of life.
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