Between 1969 and 1997 parts of the two main faith communities of Northern Ireland (Catholic/Republican/IRA and Protestant/Monarchist/UDF), waged an undeclared war. It became known as 'The Troubles'. It was a long-standing conflict, but in the 1970s each community felt especially unfairly treated. The Protestants feared takeover by the government in the Republic of Ireland and the Catholics feared unfair treatment from the Protestants. Many people lost their lives before a settlement was reached 20 years later.
