Why were the UVF and IVF set up?

UVF

- To organise resistance against the Third Home Rule Bill which would give greater political autonomy to Ireland under British rule

- To promote Ulster Protestant political causes through force of arms if necessary

- To arm Ulster Protestants in anticipation of a civil war following the introduction of the Third Home Rule Bill

IVF

- To protect Irish Nationalists from attacks by Loyalists

- To fight against the partition of Ireland

- To promote Irish Republicanism through force of arms if necessary