JUNIOR CYCLE HISTORY The Irish soldiers of World War I
About 250,000 Irishmen fought on Britain’s side in World War I, and between 30,000 and 50,000 died. Nationalists and Unionists fought on the same side, but for different reasons. Many Irishmen fought in World War I not only because of their political beliefs, but because times were hard at home and it was a good opportunity to earn money to send home to their families.
Nationalists joined the 16th (Irish) Division, which contained regiments such as the Irish Guards, the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the Royal Munster Fusiliers. Unionists joined the 36th (Ulster) Division. Some of the battlefield engagements where Irish soldiers fought were the Battles of the Somme in France, Passchendaele in Belgium and Gallipoli in Turkey.
The 16th (Irish) Division DID YOU KNOW?
During Easter week of 1916 – while at home the Rising against British rule was underway, using German guns – the 16th (Irish) Division of the British army at Hulluch in northern France underwent several horrific German gas attacks. More Irish people died at Hulluch alone than in the Rising. Sadly, many Irish survivors of the war were made unwelcome at home in its aftermath. Ireland had changed in their absence.
CHECKPOINT!
1. Why did (a) Unionist and (b) nationalist leaders encourage their supporters to fight in World War I? 2. Why did the IVF split? 3. What groups did it split into and what was the difference between them? 4. How many Irishmen fought in World War I? 5. Why did so many enlist to fight?
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I understand the effect that the outbreak of World War I had on Ireland.
