Irish World War I

1914

1914

Ireland was involved in a serious constitutional and political crisis. Home Rule was promised by the Liberal government, but Ulster Unionists was against Home Rule and formed their own military, called Ulster Volunteer Force.

1914

1914

Home Rule was suspended because of Britain’s declaration of war eased tensions for a while. Irish volunteers were summoned to join the British armed forces. Redmond, the nationalist, only agreed to stop Home Rule, so that Irish volunteers would go back to Home Rule and that the friction between the unionists and nationalists would die down.

1915

1915

Almost the same number of Britain men and Irish men was now in the British forces. Motivations for joining the forces varied. Some were motivated by the Crown and Empire, some thought they were fighting the good fight for Home Rule. Inducements, such as “separation money” was paid to the serving soldier’s families. The Irish who was against the war, labelled those who got the separation money as their loyalty has been bought

1916-1917

1916

The Irish division was sent to knock Turkey out of the war. A lot of losses occurred and had a negative impact on Ireland and caused a decline in recruitment. The Irish divisions lost their character and were replaced by England recruits.

1918

1918

The export of food from Ireland, increased the price of it. But Ireland did not gain anything from their participation of war.

1918

1918

Sinn Fein was the head of the anti-conscription campaign. Although the British was determined to make conscription happen, they backed down.

1919

1919

Ireland declared independence from the British.