Table of Contents
How many Ulster loyalists are there?
Ulster Volunteer Force
| Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) | |
|---|---|
| Ideology | Ulster loyalism British unionism Protestant extremism |
| Size | 1,500 at peak in the 1970s (hard core of 400–500 gunmen and bombers) Estimated several hundred members in Active service units by 1990s 300 (2010) 7,500 (total, 2020) |
| Allies | Red Hand Commando |
Why are UDA called Wombles?
The UDA were often referred to by the nickname “Wombles” by their rivals, mainly the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). The nickname is derived from the furry fictional children’s TV creatures The Wombles, and was given to the UDA because many of its members wore fur-trimmed parkas.
Why do the UDA and UVF hate each other?
A feud in the winter of 1974-75 broke out between the UDA and the UVF, the two main loyalist paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland. The bad blood originated from an incident in the Ulster Workers’ Council strike of May 1974 when the two groups were co-operating in support of the Ulster Workers’ Council.
Where did the loyalists come from?
The term “Loyalists” refers to American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown. Many of them served under the British during the American Revolution (1775-1783). Loyalists settled in what are now the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Ontario.
Who were the UFF?
The UFF is the cover-name used by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) for killings and other acts of violence. The UDA/UFF is still officially maintaining a ceasefire, along with the other main loyalist organisation, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).
What was the loyalist paramilitaries?
The three Loyalist paramilitary groups that were supposed to be on ceasefire, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), and the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF), have also engaged in violence between 1998 and 2006.
What is the difference between Ulster Unionists and loyalists?
Like unionists, loyalists are attached to the British monarchy, support the continued existence of Northern Ireland, and oppose a united Ireland. Ulster loyalism has been described as a kind of ethnic nationalism and “a variation of British nationalism”.
Are there any loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland?
Sections of the loyalist paramilitaries have attacked Catholics, taken part in loyalist feuds, and withdrawn their support for the Agreement, although their campaigns have not resumed. In Northern Ireland there is a tradition of loyalist Protestant marching bands. There are hundreds of such bands who hold numerous parades each year.
Why did the loyalists attack Catholics in Northern Ireland?
During partition, communal violence raged between loyalists and Irish nationalists in Belfast, and loyalists attacked the Catholic minority in retaliation for Irish republican activity. Northern Ireland’s unionist governments were accused of discrimination against Catholics and Irish nationalists.
What was the main religion in the Irish province of Ulster?
Although most of Ireland was Catholic, in the province of Ulster, Protestants were the majority. Ulster was also more industrialized than other parts of Ireland and was heavily dependent on trade with Great Britain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1c5eMIZXoA