Northern Ireland @ 100
Unit 5: Jan 1920-Dec 1921
On this page
- 'Unholy War' in Belfast 1920-1921
- The Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Boundary Commission
This unit introduces pupils to how the Government of Ireland Act of 1920 and the creation of the new state of Northern Ireland in June 1921 took place against the background of severe problems in the area, particularly violence.
This violence, often sectarian, pre-dated the establishment of Sir James Craig’s government and grew in intensity afterwards. Some of it was related to the War of Independence, which saw guerrilla conflict between the IRA and British Crown forces throughout Ireland.
Pupils will discuss and evaluate the origins and events of what became known as the ‘unholy war’ in Belfast, and similar events which took place elsewhere in the north in 1920 and 1921.
There will be a particular focus on the response of the authorities before and after formal partition in June 1921.
Finally, pupils will assess the significance of the truce in the War of Independence of July 1921, and the implications of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December, particularly the Boundary Commission, which was to re-examine the existing borders of Northern Ireland.
Unit Intentions
Pupils will:
- Discuss the events of the period from January 1920 to December 1921 in Belfast and the rest of Ulster, focusing on how the authorities handled them.
- Explain how the truce, the Treaty and the Boundary Commission presented further challenges to Sir James Craig’s government.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the changes which took place during the period from January 1920 to December 1921 through the use of digital media.
This silent vivid newsreel clip from 1920 introduces pupils to some of the realities of life in Belfast in 1920. Courtesy of the BFI National Archive. (There is no sound in this video.)
Areas of Learning
Environment and Society
History
Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals
Explore how history has affected their personal identity, culture and lifestyle.
(Personal Understanding)
Investigate how history has been selectively interpreted to create stereotypical perceptions and to justify views and actions.
(Mutual Understanding)
Investigate individuals who are considered to have taken a significant moral stand and examine their motivation and legacy.
(Moral Character)
Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society
Investigate the long and short term causes and consequences of the partition of Ireland and how it has influenced Northern Ireland today including key events and turning points.
(Citizenship)
Investigate critical issues in history or historical figures who have behaved ethically or unethically.
(Ethical Awareness)
Critically investigate and evaluate the power of the media in their representation of a significant historical event or individual.
(Media Awareness)
Learning for Life and Work
Local and Global Citizenship
Diversity and Inclusion
Investigate factors that influence individual and group identity.
Investigate ways in which individuals and groups express their identity.
Investigate how and why conflict, including prejudice, stereotyping, sectarianism and racism, may arise in the community.
Human Rights and Social Responsibility
Investigate why it is important to uphold human rights standards in modern democratic societies.
Investigate local and global scenarios where human rights have been seriously infringed.
Equality and Social Justice
Investigate how and why some people may experience inequality.
Language and Literacy
English with Media Education
Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals
Engage, through language, with their peers and with fictional and real-life characters and situations, to explore their own emotions and develop creative potential.
(Personal Understanding)
Explore and respond to others’ emotions as encountered in literature, the media, moving image and peer discussion.
(Mutual Understanding)
Demonstrate a willingness to challenge stereotypical, biased or distorted viewpoints with appropriately sensitive, informed and balanced responses.
(Moral Character)
Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society
Use literature, drama, poetry or the moving image to explore others’ needs and rights.
(Citizenship)
Explore how different cultures and beliefs are reflected in a range of communication methods.
(Cultural Understanding)
Irish with Media Education
Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals
Engage, through language, with their peers and with fictional and real-life characters and situations, to explore their own emotions and develop creative potential.
(Personal Understanding)
Explore and respond to others’ emotions as encountered in literature, the media, moving image and peer discussion.
(Mutual Understanding)
Develop an understanding of the power of languages (including bi-lingualism and body language) to communicate and empathise with others.
(Mutual Understanding)
Demonstrate a willingness to challenge stereotypical, biased or distorted viewpoints with appropriately sensitive, informed and balanced responses.
(Moral Character)
Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society
Use literature, drama, poetry or the moving image to explore others’ needs and rights.
(Citizenship)
Explore how different cultures, beliefs and language communities are reflected in a range of communication methods.
(Cultural Understanding)
The Arts
Art and Design
Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals
Express themselves through Art and Design.
(Personal Understanding)
Work with other pupils to produce a creative response to group expressions of identity.
(Mutual Understanding)
Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society
Work with other pupils to produce a creative response to group expressions of identity.
(Mutual Understanding)
Explore the diversity of various cultures that are expressed through Art & Design; for example, explore images, symbols and artefacts that express the range of cultural traditions in Northern Ireland.
(Cultural Understanding)
Drama
Objective 1: Developing pupils as Individuals
Explore and respond to the views and feelings of others.
(Mutual Understanding)
Explore issues related to Moral Character: Demonstrate the ability and willingness to challenge stereotypical, biased or distorted viewpoints.
(Moral Character)
Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society
Explore how drama reflects and gives insight into a range of cultures, for example, represent cultural similarities/differences through performance etc.
(Cultural Understanding)
Tasks
We have developed some tasks to help pupils progress in a number of desirable skills for both UICT and Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. This unit helps pupils to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills by engaging them in active learning activities and digital tasks.
Using ICT
- Researching
- Desktop Publishing
- Working with Images
Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities
- Managing Information
- Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making
- Being Creative
- Working with Others
- Self-Management