The 1968 Civil Rights March Ban in Derry

The Controversial Ban on the Civil Rights March

The 1968 Civil Rights March in Derry

In 1968, tensions were running high in Northern Ireland, especially in urban centers like Derry. A proposed civil rights march aimed at protesting inequalities faced by the Catholic community was set to take place, hoping to rally support for greater equality and justice. However, the march quickly faced opposition from the authorities, leading to significant controversy.

William Craig and the Banning Order

William Craig, the Home Affairs Minister at the time, invoked the Public Order Act to ban the march from both the city center and the Waterside area of Derry. This decision was met with backlash from civil rights activists and community leaders who viewed it as a suppression of their freedom of speech and assembly, further escalating tensions within the community.

The Impact of the Ban on Civil Rights Activism

Increased Tensions and Protests

Following the ban, civil rights activists did not remain silent. Instead, they organized protests to challenge the decisions made by the authorities. These actions not only brought significant media attention to the inequalities present in Northern Ireland but also galvanized communities around the struggle for civil rights, highlighting the urgent need for change.

Long-term Consequences of the 1968 March Ban

The ban on the civil rights march in Derry served as a catalyst for increased activism and the eventual escalation of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It exemplified the government’s reluctance to acknowledge and address the legitimate grievances of the Catholic minorities, leading many to question the motives of those in power and fueling the conflict through the decade.

Fun Fact

Legacy of the 1968 Civil Rights Movement

The events surrounding the 1968 civil rights march and its subsequent ban are often regarded as significant milestones that laid the groundwork for the Troubles in Northern Ireland, which would dominate the political landscape for the next 30 years, resulting in profound social changes.