#english_history 

Many people in Northern Ireland after [[Irish War of Independence|the Irish War of Independence]] considered that their system of government was unfair, as it was a self-governing province, whose government was controlled by the Protestants, who feared the Catholics and kept them out of responsible positions.

So in **1969**, Ulster people, both Catholics and Protestants, began to gather on the streets and demand a fairer system. The police couldn't keep control, and the republicans turned this civil rights movement into a nationalist rebellion against British rule. Violence has continued.

In **1972** the Northern Ireland government was removed and was replaced with direct rule from London. Since then, Britain has been anxious to find a solution.

In **1985** Britain and Ireland made a formal *Anglo-Irish Agreement* at Hillsborough that they'd exchange views on Northern Ireland regularly. Though the agreement was opposed by the Protestants, it still holds.