The Ulster Covenant

Events surrounding the signing of the Ulster Covenant

Throughout the 19th century there had been periods of tension between Unionists, who wanted to keep the Union between Britain and Ireland, and Nationalists, who wanted to end this Union.

One of the most intense was the early 1900s. By 1914 there was a real possibility of civil war in Ireland between Nationalists and Unionists. Many historians believe that after the events of 1912-14 the Partition of Ireland was simply a matter of time.