History of the Irish Troubles: The Peace Walls After 50 Years

Throughout the last four centuries, the Irish and English conflict has been fierce and unrelenting, with neither side willing to concede their positions on fundamental issues spanning religious practices, land ownership, and political control. In an attempt to quell the guerilla warfare period known as the "the Troubles" that occurred from the 1960s to the 1990s, many believed erecting walls- called Peace Walls - would provide critical levels of military and civilian safety. However, these walls further divided an already fractured country, pitting neighbors and sometimes families against one another. An examination of historical reports, interviews, and governmental studies has led to the dismaying conclusion that "the Troubles" are still deeply entrenched in the streets and bricks of Ireland, just as they are in the hearts of its citizens. To solve this centuries-old conflict, Northern Ireland must make a difficult decision to remove these walls, both figuratively and literally, if it ever hopes to have a chance for lasting reconciliation.