The Irish Republican Army launches armed campaign to reunite north and south. Violence escalates in Northern Ireland. Britain sends troops to Londonderry and adds forces in Belfast. Britain enforces direct rule on Northern Ireland. Widgery investigation into Bloody Sunday killings.
Direct rule is reinstated after strikes by Protestant workers end power-sharing.
Violence by IRA and Protestant paramilitary organizations intensifies across Ireland and Britain. First open meeting between Sinn Fein and British. Leaders decide on peace accord. Referendum in Northern Ireland, voters support peace. An independent British inquiry into the Bloody Sunday killings begins.