Irish involvement in the First World War was always controversial. Proponents argued that Ireland should help defend other small nations, especially Catholic ones (1). Irish Politician John Redmond said that men would be serving Ireland by joining and self-government would follow if Ireland did its part in the war.
Redmond’s Woodenbridge speech in favor of Irish involvement in WWI was one of his most famous
There was also the economic benefit, as the army offered a pay increase for many urban workers and the opportunity to learn a trade. Propaganda targeted at each of these specific demographics played a significant role in the high levels of Irish participation in the war.
Critics argued that Irishmen should not be fighting for Great Britain and serving its interests, they should instead be pursuing Irish independence. They were also angered that Home Rule had been delayed until after the war’s end (2).
Opinion had already begun to turn against the war before the 1916 Rising took place. People felt that Irish lives were treated too casually by British officers and were displeased by the massive Irish casualties. Many Southern Irish regiments were actually commanded by British officers and had members from other places while Ulster divisions had their own officers and were able to maintain their own political identities. Rising prices and taxes and the closing of the Congested Districts Board also contributed to resentment toward the war (3).
After the Easter Rising in 1916 and the executions of its leaders, people became sympathetic toward the nationalist movement and looked at Great Britain with increasing hostility. The sentiment toward Irish WWI veterans changed as well, going from anger at the rebels for “stabbing veterans in the back” to anger at veterans for fighting for Ireland’s oppressor while true Irishmen were at home dying for freedom (4).
Attitude Toward World War I After 1916
(1). Jason Myers, “The Irish Soldier in World War I: A Complicated Dilemma,” The Ultimate History Project, accessed Dec. 4, 2016, http://www.ultimatehistoryproject.com/irish-soldiers-in-world-war-i.html
(2). Ibid.
(3). John Dorney, “Remembering World War I in Ireland,” The Irish Story, Nov. 12, 2012, accessed Dec. 6, 2016,http://www.theirishstory.com/2012/11/12/opinion-remembering-world-war-i-in-ireland/#.WESelGVHjzI
(4). “WWI 100 Years,” RTÉ, accessed Dec. 7, 2016, http://www.rte.ie/worldwar1/