The Troubles (Northern Ireland)/Background

Background To The Troubles

During Queen Elizabeth I's reign England, Scotland and Wales were predominantly Protestant countries while Ireland (one country at the time) was mainly Catholic. Continental Europe was dominated by Catholic nations that adhered to the Pope. Ireland was seen by the Queen and her ministers as a potential threat should the continental European nations unite with Ireland, occupy it and use it as a base for attacks against England. These concerns led to the plantations, which was the redistribution of Irish land towards English and Scot settlers by English monarchs. The most successful plantation was devised in Ulster, bringing a significant Protestant population from England and Scotland to settle the province. This established a framework for both the division of Ireland, and the ensuing Troubles conflict.