The Provisional Irish Republican Army

Fifty years ago, in December 1969, the Provisional IRA was born from the widespread religious violence that had wracked the six counties of Northern Ireland since the preceding August.

Fifty years ago, in December 1969, the Provisional IRA was born from the widespread religious violence that had wracked the six counties of Northern Ireland since the preceding August. From modest beginnings, the Provisionals became the most important and dangerous separatist paramilitary group during the thirty-year conflict in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles.

Written by Jeffrey W. Lewis. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Katherine Weiss, Laura Seeger, and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle.