The 1981 Irish Hunger Strike: An Account from Declassified British Documents

The 1981 hunger strike in Irish history was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of ten men over 217 days. The strike was rooted in centuries of socio-economic subjugation and religious persecution and was sparked by the removal of Special Category Status from prisoners. This book examines declassified British government documents that show how the policies of the British government led to the strike, how Margaret Thatcher exacerbated it, and how it ultimately led to peace in the north.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2024
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The hunger strike of 1981, a tragic event in Irish history, saw ten men die in Long Kesh (Maze) prison over 217 days. Rooted in centuries of socio-economic subjugation and religious persecution, the Troubles emerged in 1971 with internment without trial for suspected paramilitary organizations. The British government granted Special Category Status to these prisoners, later stripping it in 1976. This led to a five-year prisoner protest, culminating in the 1981 hunger strike, demanding basic demands. This book critically examines declassified British government documents that reveal how policies led to the strike, how Margaret Thatcher exacerbated it, and how the strike ultimately led to peace in the north. Analysis of the documents highlights the revolutionary change in the political and governmental structure, paving the way for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The hunger strike of 1981, a tragic event in Irish history, saw ten men die in Long Kesh (Maze) prison over 217 days. Rooted in centuries of socio-economic subjugation and religious persecution, the Troubles emerged in 1971 with internment without trial for suspected paramilitary organizations. The British government granted Special Category Status to these prisoners, later stripping it in 1976. This led to a five-year prisoner protest, culminating in the 1981 hunger strike, demanding basic demands. This book critically examines declassified British government documents that reveal how policies led to the strike, how Margaret Thatcher exacerbated it, and how the strike ultimately led to peace in the north. Analysis of the documents highlights the revolutionary change in the political and governmental structure, paving the way for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476693958