Smashing H-Block is a political history of the Irish republican struggle against criminalization from 1976 to 1982. This struggle, which culminated in the historic hunger strikes of 1980 and 1981, is widely regarded as a turning point in Ireland's 'Troubles', marking the 'last great wave of activism and mobilization within the nationalist population'. Unlike previous accounts of this period, this fascinating book focuses on the popular movement outside the prisons, challenging republican orthodoxy and stressing the importance of broad-based, grassroots movements in effecting political and social change. Ultimately, it was what happened outside the prisons during these years of protest that reshaped and revitalized modern Irish republicanism.
Introduction: Everyone Has a Part to Play
1. Prison Protests and Broad Fronts (1972-75)
2. Lean Days and Uphill Battles (1976-77)
3. Steps in the Right Direction (1978-79)
4. Building the Campaign (1980)
5. Hunger Strike (October-December 1980)
6. Bobby Sands MP (January-April 1981)
7. Ten Men Dead (May-October 1981)
8. A Quiet and Uneventful End (October '81-October '82)
9. Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things (Conclusion)
Bibliography
Endnotes
