Future directions in rural history: Ireland, the First World War and the search for historical evidence

Abstract A social history of Ireland (encompassing rural communities) is needed if historians are to fully come terms with what really happened between 1914 and 1918 properly tackle the question ‘consent’ ‘constraint’ in relation war effort. In addition, need devote a comprehensive book-length research April Conscription Crisis Ulster (but more generally anti-conscription movement Ulster), determining urban/rural – Belfast/countryside divide existed (and, so, its magnitude was). Finally, few years’ time, anyone will be able say Republic today opted anchor global conflict collective memory people, or Centenary First World War was just politically motivated parenthesis commemorate lost generation that still struggles find rightful place modern Irish history.