An evaluation of the reasons for the developing crisis in Northern Ireland, by 1968

Political Factors

Partition of Ireland in 1921 established Northern Ireland as a predominantly Unionist region within the United Kingdom. This further institutionalised political division by population and religious beliefs.
Stormont’s control, a ruling body comprised almost entirely of unionists, escalated tensions. A system of gerrymandering led to a consistent unionist government, causing resentment among nationalists.
Civil Rights Movements, inspired by similar movements in the United States, started to emerge in the mid-1960s, as Catholic nationalists demanded equality in housing, employment, and voting rights.

Economic Factors

There was noticeable economic disparity between the Protestant and Catholic communities. Protestants had better access to public housing, utilities, and employment than Catholics, exacerbating societal frustrations.
Industrial Decline: With the decline of shipbuilding and linen industries, unemployment increased understandably in the areas that had once been the traditional strongholds of these industries, most of which were predominantly Protestant.

Social and Religious Factors

Sectarianism continued to create issues, with strong social divisions existing between Protestant and Catholic communities. This segregation manifested in many areas of life including housing, education, and employment.
Resentment among Catholics escalated due to ongoing discrimination, particularly in employment and housing, creating a perceived second-class status.

International Influences

The global Civil Rights Movement, particularly events in the United States, were a significant influence on the struggle for equal rights in Northern Ireland, inspiring local activists to challenge discrimination and inequality.
Similarly, global political shifts such as the end of Empire and emergence of new nations offered a precedent for nationalist movements in Northern Ireland to aspire towards their desired independent Ireland.