Sample Answer for How did the Unionist party in power respond to the challenges that it faced 1920-39?

The Unionist Party's management of Northern Ireland's affairs between 1920 and 1939 can best be described as divisive and problematic, particularly in its handling of sectarianism, civil unrest, and economic challenges. The Government of Ireland Act 1920 established Northern Ireland as a separate entity within the United Kingdom, with James Craig as its first Prime Minister. From the outset, the Unionist government faced significant challenges, including managing tensions between unionists and nationalists and addressing the economic difficulties facing the fledgling state. While they succeeded in maintaining political control, their policies often exacerbated sectarian divisions and economic disparities. This essay will assess how well the Unionist Party addressed these issues, arguing that while they managed to maintain stability, their actions deepened divisions within society, contributing to long-term strife.

One of the Unionist Party's primary challenges was dealing with internal unrest and opposition from nationalists who refused to accept Northern Ireland's legitimacy. Early on, there was significant unrest, particularly in border areas where the Irish Republican Army (IRA) remained active. Tensions escalated in 1920 when Hugh O'Doherty became the first Catholic Lord Mayor of Derry, angering Unionists. Nationalists took control of councils in Fermanagh, Tyrone, South Down, and South Armagh, pledging allegiance to the Dáil instead of the new Northern Ireland state. In response, the Unionist government introduced the Local Government Bill, abolishing proportional representation and replacing it with the first-past-the-post system. This measure, along with the redrawing of electoral boundaries to favour Unionist candidates, ensured their political dominance. While this secured Unionist control, it alienated the nationalist minority and entrenched divisions. The decision to limit political representation for nationalists reflected a broader failure to address the deep-rooted divisions within Northern Irish society.

The Unionist Party's handling of civil unrest also extended to widespread sectarian violence between Protestant Unionists and Catholic Nationalists. In 1920, Unionist workers at the Workman and Clark and Harland and Wolff shipyards attempted to drive out Catholic workers, resulting in violent clashes. After the killing of an RIC officer by republicans in Lisburn, Protestant mobs attacked Catholic-owned businesses, sparking further unrest. These events demonstrated the deep-rooted sectarian tensions within Northern Ireland, which the Unionist government struggled to control. In response, the Ulster Unionist Council (UUC) revived the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), intensifying sectarian violence. The Belfast Boycott, where the Irish government encouraged the public to avoid Northern goods, further worsened relations between the North and South. Despite attempts at dialogue, such as the 1922 discussions between Michael Collins and Craig, where Collins offered to lift the boycott in exchange for reinstating nationalist workers, these efforts were largely ineffective. Ultimately, the government's inability to control sectarian violence undermined its legitimacy and worsened community relations.

Sectarianism was a defining characteristic of Northern Ireland under Unionist rule, and the government's policies reflected deep-seated biases. Catholics were viewed as a threat to the existence of the Northern Irish state, with Unionist leaders such as Basil Brooke claiming that "Catholics were out to destroy Ulster." This hostility was evident in the reaction to the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932, which was fully supported by the Irish government. In response, James Craig declared that Northern Ireland had a "Protestant parliament for a Protestant people," signalling the government's unwillingness to accommodate the Catholic minority. Unionist mobs attacked Catholics travelling to the Congress, further increasing tensions. The introduction of De Valera's Irish Constitution in 1937, which claimed the entire island of Ireland as Éire, exacerbated these tensions, solidifying Northern Ireland's sense of vulnerability. The Unionist government's reaction to these events demonstrated their refusal to foster a more inclusive society and their determination to maintain sectarian divisions.

The Unionist government's approach to law and order further deepened the sectarian divide. In 1920, they established the Special Constabulary, which was composed primarily of Protestants and served as a paramilitary force to assist the regular police. This group, also known as the B-Specials, was largely made up of former UVF members, leading to further distrust among Catholics, who saw it as a weapon of Protestant repression. In 1922, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was established as an armed police force. Although Prime Minister Craig expressed hopes that one-third of the RUC would be Catholic, it quickly became Protestant-dominated. The Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Act 1922 granted the RUC sweeping powers to suppress anti-government activities, giving Dawson Bates, the Minister of Home Affairs, the authority to take all necessary steps to maintain order. These measures alienated the Catholic population, who felt that the government's law enforcement policies were specifically directed against them. Rather than maintaining peace, these actions intensified the sense of discrimination and oppression felt by Catholics.

The Unionist government's education policies also reflected its sectarian biases. Under Craig, a two-tier education system was effectively created, with state-funded schools primarily serving Protestants and voluntary schools serving Catholics. The Education Act of 1923 sought to remove religion from schools, but it faced fierce opposition from both Catholic and Protestant clergy, who wished to maintain denominational education. Catholic schools that refused to transfer to the state system received limited funding, which Catholics felt undermined their religious identity. Meanwhile, Protestant schools that did transfer received full state funding, further entrenching divisions within the education system. This two-tier system reflected the broader sectarian divide in Northern Ireland, as it reinforced the separation of the two communities and failed to provide equal educational opportunities.

Economically, Northern Ireland faced significant challenges, and the Unionist government struggled to address these effectively. Initially, it was hoped that the Northern economy would be strong enough to support its own state services. However, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland was required to contribute to the Imperial Contribution, covering costs such as defence. The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 severely impacted the Northern economy, which was dependent on international markets. Unemployment soared to over 30%, and industries such as linen production and shipbuilding suffered. The Workman and Clark shipyard closed in 1935, though Harland and Wolff survived due to government support. Agriculture ministers such as Edward Archdale and Basil Brooke made efforts to improve farming practices through education and loans, but these measures were insufficient to offset the economic decline. The government's response to economic challenges was largely reactive, and while some industries were supported, the overall economic picture remained bleak.

The Unionist government also faced challenges in addressing social issues, particularly housing. The 1923 Housing Act in Britain increased the number of council houses available for rent, putting pressure on Northern Ireland to follow suit. Although state funds were allocated to local authorities and private builders to improve housing, progress was slow. Between 1919 and 1938, only 2,600 houses were built by the Belfast Corporation, leaving many reliant on government assistance. By the mid-1930s, around 35% of the population lived below the poverty line, and unemployment assistance, introduced in 1935, was subject to a strict and humiliating means test. The Unionist government's handling of social issues was inadequate, failing to meet the needs of a population increasingly suffering from economic hardship.

Ultimately, while the Unionist Party maintained political control over Northern Ireland between 1920 and 1939, their governance was marked by sectarianism, economic struggles, and a failure to address the needs of the Catholic minority. Their policies often deepened divisions between Protestants and Catholics, contributing to a legacy of discrimination and inequality. The government's handling of law and order, education, and the economy demonstrated a focus on maintaining Protestant dominance at the expense of fostering a more inclusive and cohesive society. Although Northern Ireland remained relatively stable, the Unionist Party's management of its affairs left a legacy of sectarian division that would persist for decades.