October 5, 1968 Derry civil rights march is attacked Police attack a banned civil rights march in Derry, an event widely seen as a catalyst for the Troubles. January 4, 1969 Burntollet ambush shocks civil rights movement The People's Democracy march is attacked at Burntollet Bridge, intensifying tensions in Northern Ireland. August 14, 1969 British troops deploy to Northern Ireland British soldiers are sent into Northern Ireland after escalating street violence and the Battle of the Bogside. December 1969 Provisional IRA emerges after republican split A split in the Irish republican movement produces the Provisional IRA, which becomes a central armed actor in the conflict. August 9, 1971 Internment without trial begins The Northern Ireland government introduces internment, a move that sharply increases unrest and support for the IRA. January 30, 1972 Bloody Sunday kills civil rights marchers British soldiers kill 13 unarmed demonstrators in Derry, making Bloody Sunday one of the most consequential events of the Troubles. March 24, 1972 Stormont is suspended and direct rule imposed The British government suspends the Northern Ireland parliament and introduces direct rule from London. July 21, 1972 Bloody Friday bombings hit Belfast A wave of IRA bombings in Belfast kills civilians and deepens the cycle of violence. December 9, 1973 Sunningdale Agreement is reached Political leaders agree on a power-sharing arrangement and a cross-border Council of Ireland. May 28, 1974 Ulster Workers' Council strike topples power-sharing A unionist-led strike collapses the Sunningdale power-sharing executive. March 1, 1976 Special category status is ended The British government ends special category status for paramilitary prisoners, setting the stage for prison protests. March 1, 1981 Hunger strike begins in the Maze Prison Republican prisoners launch a hunger strike to demand political status. May 5, 1981 Bobby Sands dies on hunger strike The death of Bobby Sands after 66 days on hunger strike becomes a defining moment in the conflict. November 15, 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement is signed London and Dublin sign the Anglo-Irish Agreement, giving the Irish government an advisory role in Northern Ireland affa… December 15, 1993 Downing Street Declaration sets peace framework The British and Irish governments issue the Downing Street Declaration, shaping the path toward negotiations. August 31, 1994 IRA announces a cease-fire The Provisional IRA declares a complete cessation of military operations. February 9, 1996 Canary Wharf bombing ends IRA cease-fire An IRA bomb at Canary Wharf ends the 1994 cease-fire and disrupts the peace process. July 20, 1997 IRA renews its cease-fire The renewed IRA cease-fire allows all-party talks to move forward. April 10, 1998 Good Friday Agreement is reached The Good Friday Agreement establishes a new power-sharing framework and a major peace settlement. August 15, 1998 Omagh bombing kills 29 people The Real IRA bombing in Omagh becomes the deadliest single attack of the Troubles era. July 28, 2005 IRA orders an end to its armed campaign The Provisional IRA announces that its armed campaign is over and commits to peaceful means. May 8, 2007 Power-sharing government is restored Devolved government returns in Northern Ireland with Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness sharing power.