The term "the Troubles" refers to a period of violence (from the late 1960s until 1998) between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Protestants tended to have higher incomes than Catholics, while more Catholics were dependent on state benefits. Most Protestants wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom, while most Catholics wanted to be part of the separate Republic of Ireland. The two groups disagreed about social issues. Protestants formed the majority, so they controlled the government. In what way were "the Troubles" a conflict over ideology?