7.1: The First World War and Ireland’s Partition

World War 1

At the beginning of the 20th century, Britain was a global superpower with an extensive Empire, an admired navy, a thriving industry, and strong political institutions. It was also a period of social progress. Several important measures were introduced, such as financial support for the unemployed, old-age pensions, and free school meals. Laws were enacted to improve workplace safety, prevent the growth of slums through town planning, and provide better support for mothers and children after divorce or separation. Local government became more democratic, and MPs were granted a salary for the first time, making it easier for people from different backgrounds to enter public life.

However, this period of optimism was abruptly ended when war broke out between European nations. On 28 June 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria triggered a series of events that led to the First World War (1914–1918). While this assassination sparked the conflict, other underlying causes such as nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and the division of European powers into two rival alliances set the stage for war.

Global Conflict and British Involvement

The conflict, although centred in Europe, was a global war involving many nations. Britain was part of the Allied Powers, which included France, Russia, Japan, Belgium, Serbia, and later Greece, Italy, Romania, and the United States. The entire British Empire participated in the war. For example, over 1 million Indians fought for Britain across various fronts, with around 40,000 losing their lives. Soldiers from the West Indies, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada also fought alongside British forces. The Central Powers, primarily Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and later Bulgaria, opposed the Allies. The war claimed millions of lives, with 2 million British casualties. The Battle of the Somme, launched by Britain in July 1916, saw about 60,000 British casualties on the first day alone.

End of the War

The First World War ended at 11:00 am on 11 November 1918, with victory for Britain and its Allies.

The Partition of Ireland

Home Rule and the Division of Ireland

In 1913, the British government proposed Home Rule for Ireland, which would grant the country self-governance with its own parliament while remaining part of the UK. A Home Rule Bill was introduced in Parliament, but it faced strong opposition from the Protestant community in Northern Ireland, who threatened to resist by force.

When the First World War began, the British government postponed implementing any changes in Ireland. However, Irish Nationalists grew impatient. In 1916, a group of Nationalists led the Easter Rising in Dublin against British rule. The leaders of the uprising were executed under military law, and a guerrilla war against the British army and police followed.

Peace Treaty and the Creation of Two Irelands

In 1921, a peace treaty was signed, and in 1922, Ireland was divided into two countries. The six northern counties, with a majority Protestant population, remained part of the UK under the name Northern Ireland, while the rest of Ireland became the Irish Free State, with its own government. The Irish Free State later became a republic in 1949.

The Troubles

Despite the partition, there were people in both parts of Ireland who opposed the division, wishing for a unified Ireland. This led to ongoing disagreement and a terror campaign in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. The conflict between those who sought full Irish independence and those who wanted to remain loyal to the British government became known as ‘the Troubles’.