Abstract
What led people to enlist in the army? Only a few were gained by the war enthusiasm in 1914; the lists were much larger in 1915 when the violence of the war and the uncertainty of its outcome were universally understood.Both unionists and nationalists joined the army; loyalty to the King or the country was not a determinant factor. Poverty and unemployment cannot be considered as a determinant factor either. It would have made little sense to exchange poverty at home, albeit severe, against the misery of life in the trenches.
What actually drove many Irishmen in the battle was loyalty to their friends and their families. Peer-pressure was stronger than individual interest; many preferred to face huge risks rather than losing the esteem of those they loved. Most of those who joined were actually members of some paramilitary associations.
The reason explaining why many Irishmen did not join the forces is the same. Only a few declared that there was nothing to fight for. Many refused because of family or business commitments. What is more, with the rise of nationalism in the years 1917-1918, young Irishmen faced ridicule from their peers if they joined the crown army.
