Why did many Catholics wanted to join the Republic of Ireland?

There were a number of reasons why many Catholics wanted to join the Republic of Ireland, including:

- Religious oppression: Catholics in Northern Ireland felt discriminated against by the Protestant-dominated government. They were denied equal access to jobs, housing, and education, and were often subjected to violence and intimidation.

- Nationalist sentiment: Many Catholics in Northern Ireland identified more with the Republic of Ireland than with the United Kingdom. They saw themselves as Irish, not British, and wanted to be part of a united Ireland.

- Economic opportunity: The Republic of Ireland was a more prosperous country than Northern Ireland, and many Catholics believed that they would have better economic opportunities if they lived in the Republic.

These factors combined to create a strong desire among many Catholics in Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland. This desire was a major contributing factor to the conflict known as the Troubles, which lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1990s.

It is important to note that not all Catholics in Northern Ireland wanted to join the Republic of Ireland. Some were happy to remain part of the United Kingdom, and others were simply opposed to violence. However, the desire for a united Ireland was a major factor in the Troubles, and it continues to be a contentious issue in Northern Ireland today.