A World War I recruitment poster released in Ireland in 1915. Ireland entered the war in August 1914 as part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, which was one of the Entente Powers. At the outbreak of the war, most Irish people supported the war effort, and both nationalist and unionist leaders initially backed it. In 1916, supporters of Irish independence took the opportunity to proclaim Ireland a republic and to defend it in an armed rebellion against British rule in Dublin. Britain's intention to impose conscription in Ireland in 1918 provoked widespread resistance.
Over 200,000 Irishmen fought in the war, in several theatres. The number of Irish soldiers killed is estimated as 49,400, of whom 30,000 were serving in the British forces.Poster: Hely's Limited; restoration: Adam Cuerden