THE IMPACT OF WORLD WAR II ON IRELAND, NORTH AND SOUTH Life in Northern Ireland during
World War II Crucial role of the North In Northern Ireland, the story was different to the South. Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom, took an active part in the war. Even though conscription (compulsory enlistment in the army) was not enforced in Northern Ireland because of nationalist objections there, rationing was. Moreover, the German occupation of France and the neutrality of Southern Ireland meant that Northern Ireland played a crucial role in World War II. Planes based in Northern Ireland were used to patrol the North Atlantic and look for German U-boats and to protect convoys bringing supplies to Britain and Northern Ireland.
When the United States joined the war in December 1941, Northern Ireland became an important base for American troops. At one time, 120,000 American sailors and airmen were based in the country. Some were manning ships to protect the Atlantic trade, while others were preparing for D-Day.
2Describe the impact of World War II on life in Northern Ireland
