What were the IRA hunger strikes?

# Summary

This Stuff You Should Know episode dives deep into the history of Irish hunger strikes, tracing their origins from ancient Celtic traditions through their role in the 20th century independence movement and the violent conflict known as the Troubles. Josh and Chuck explore how hunger strikes evolved from a Gaelic custom into a powerful political protest tool, examining the brutal prison conditions that sparked the blanket protest and dirty protest of the 1970s, and culminating in the dramatic 1981 hunger strikes led by Bobby Sands that captivated international attention and became a turning point in Irish-British relations. The hosts acknowledge the emotional complexity and deep historical roots of this contentious subject while walking listeners through the key events, figures, and shifting political dynamics that made these protests so significant.