Understanding the IRA: Methods and Democracy

• Citizenship
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Understanding the IRA: Methods and Democracy

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain the methods used by the IRA and understand why these methods are considered non-democratic.

What do you already know about the IRA and their methods?

Introduction to the IRA

The IRA, or Irish Republican Army, is a paramilitary organization that has used various methods in pursuit of its political goals.

Armed Struggle

The IRA used armed struggle, including bombings and shootings, to achieve their objectives.

Targeted Violence

The IRA targeted individuals, government officials, and infrastructure, leading to civilian casualties.

Coercion and Intimidation

The IRA used coercion and intimidation to silence opposing voices and instill fear in communities.

Non-Democratic Methods

The methods used by the IRA, such as violence and coercion, do not align with democratic principles.

Impact on Democracy

The use of non-democratic methods undermines the democratic process and principles of equality and freedom.

Discussion: Democratic Alternatives

Explore peaceful and democratic alternatives that could have been pursued by the IRA to achieve their goals.

Conclusion and Reflection

Reflect on the lesson and consider the importance of understanding non-democratic methods in conflict and politics.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.