Two-part documentary (1916-1969, 1969-1995) on the history of Ireland, the struggle for independence, civil war, partition and 25 years of civil war in the North, starting in 1969. Gaining a proper understanding of this conflict is vital at a time when, on the one hand, the European Union is planning to expand and, on the other, new ethnic wars are breaking out.

To a European audience this conflict seems confused and incomprehensible and is often seen as some kind of war of religion. Using archive footage, this episode of "Making History" sets the "troubles" in their true historical context, explaining the religious and cultural differences, the nationalists' aims, the democratic solutions attempted and the violent traditions of the paramilitary groups.