1850 - Queen's University

Queen's University of Ireland was formally established, creating new colleges in Belfast, Cork, and Galway. The initiative aimed to provide non-denominational higher education, though it faced opposition from the Catholic hierarchy. These "godless colleges" would significantly influence the development of Irish higher education.

1920 - Restoration of Order

The British Parliament passed the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act, granting additional powers to the military. The legislation effectively placed much of Ireland under martial law, allowing for internment without trial and military courts. These measures marked an escalation in Britain's attempt to suppress the independence movement.

1971 - Internment Violence

The death toll from internment-related violence continued to rise as riots spread across Northern Ireland. In Belfast, the British Army used considerable force to suppress protests, leading to multiple civilian casualties. The chaos prompted thousands of families to flee their homes, particularly in Belfast.

1981 - Hunger Strike Mediation

The Irish Commission for Justice and Peace attempted to broker a solution to the hunger strike crisis. Their intervention came amid growing concern about the mounting death toll in the Maze Prison. The mediation efforts reflected increasing pressure for a resolution to the protest.

1985 - Anglo-Irish Talks

Secret preparations intensified for what would become the Anglo-Irish Agreement. Senior officials from Dublin and London met to discuss new structures for addressing the Northern Ireland conflict. These discussions marked a significant shift in British policy toward accepting an Irish dimension in Northern affairs.