The Ulster Unionist Party Was Primarily Responsible for the Development of Sectarian Politics in Northern Ireland Between 1921 and 1972

The Government of Ireland Act 1920 paved way for the partition of Ireland. Partition of Ireland would in view of the Westminster government prevent civil war between Catholic Nationalists and Protestant Unionists. The Nationalists made it clear they sought independence from Britain having lobbied Westminster for many years. In addition, they had perpetuated much rioting and strikes against British rule. The Unionists on the other hand were overwhelmingly Protestant and as a minority in a united Ireland felt threatened. They had seen the threat of the nationalists grow in strength that had won support of the Liberal party in 1912. The significance of this is that the overwhelming majority of Nationalists were Catholic and since they made up much of the Irish population the Protestant controlled region of Ulster would be under threat. They feared their religious freedom would be under threat as well as their economic interests. Ulster was wealthier and more industrialised than the more backward agricultural south. A united Ireland could harm Protestant interests and therefore partition would be a means of appeasing both sides. …