The role of history and culture are analyzed as they pertain to the success or failure of the non-violent methodology implemented in both movements. The relationship between the minorities and their religion was pivotal as to each movement’s success or failure. While the close correlation between Biblical teachings and the goals of the movement in the United States was crucial to success, no such relationship existed in Northern Ireland.

The maintenance of a discriminatory governmental infrastructure and the relationship of each minority to such was prevalent to both the African Americans and the Northern Irish Catholics. Grievances leading to the inception of the reform movements are analyzed as well as examples of three demonstrations and the outcomes of each. Analysis is focused on local and state attempts to prevent the minority from attaining equality under the law and the federal response to the events, demonstrating in both movements the significance of federal intervention as a barometer of success or failure to the movement.

The history and culture combined with the governmental structures and responses were the primary factors influencing the divergent paths taken by the civil rights movements in the United States and Northern Ireland.