Briefly explain why rioƟng broke out in Derry in August 1969

Rioting broke out in Derry in August 1969 due to a combination of long-standing grievances and immediate triggers. Here are the steps explaining why:

1. Long-standing Grievances: The Catholic minority in Northern Ireland had long-standing grievances about discrimination in housing, employment, and political representation by the Protestant majority. This led to the formation of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) in 1967, which began to hold protests and marches demanding equal rights.

2. The Apprentice Boys March: On August 12, 1969, the Apprentice Boys, a Protestant fraternal society, held their annual march in Derry, which was seen as provocative by the Catholic community. This led to clashes between the two communities.

3. Police Response: The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), which was almost entirely Protestant, responded with force against the Catholic community, further escalating the violence.

4. 'Battle of the Bogside': The situation escalated into a full-scale riot known as the 'Battle of the Bogside', which lasted for three days from 12th to 14th August. The Bogside area of Derry, a Catholic stronghold, was cordoned off and defended by the residents against the police.

5. Intervention of British Troops: The rioting finally ended when British troops were deployed in Derry on August 14, 1969. This marked the beginning of the period known as 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland.

In summary, the rioting in Derry in August 1969 was a result of long-standing grievances of the Catholic community, the provocative march by the Apprentice Boys, the response of the police, and the subsequent 'Battle of the Bogside'.