<i>Ireland and the Great War: A Social and Political History</i>. By Niamh Gallagher

Gallagher investigates Catholic responses to the war effort during global conflict, doing so through a thorough analysis of home front in Ireland. In this first ever-published social history Ireland and Great War, she argues that supported British Allied effort, therefore questioning anti-war picture often projected onto challenging view War was not Ireland’s war. this, distances herself from Charles Townshend (and many other historians) who contended Irish had adopted ‘mental neutrality’ conflict (Easter 1916: The Rebellion. London: Penguin Books, 2005). book opens (Chapters 1 2) with concise historiographical account how British) narratives have engaged society its relation War. signals vocal anti-recruiting activities advanced nationalists coupled outcome 1918 general elections, were (wrongly) seen as evidence effort. Chapter 3 illustrates Protestant middle-class women mobilized organized war-relief associations on front. From knitting socks running support homes, ordinary people took lead organizing moral humanitarian support, cared for injured personnel local hospitals volunteered accommodate Belgium refugees October 1914. 4 (certainly most valuable book) powerfully demonstrates German naval campaign profound impact life. As reveals, year 1915 is central gradually measured direct consequences conflict. Following sinking RMS Lusitania May newspapers printed images dead passengers washed up shores, laid out their coffins, thus heightening visibility (On point, it must be stressed incorporation series harrowing photographs greatly contributes reader’s visualization what populations knew about dramatic event.) This, loss 10th Division at Gallipoli summer 1915, heavily contributed portrayal Germany ‘a menace defeated’ (p. 90), while boosting Allies. 5, shows minds diasporic nationalist communities living Dominions conviction threatening civil liberties sufficient incentive convince them Britain’s jus ad bellum spur ‘rally Empire’s defence’ 105). 6 highlights all religious backgrounds August 1914 onwards initiatives, fundraising support.