The war began amid the Home Rule crisis in Ireland that had resurfaced in 1912, and by July 1914 there was a serious possibility of an outbreak of civil war in Ireland.
Perang terjadi meski muncul krisis Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri di Irlandia yang muncul kembali tahun 1912, dan pada Juli 1914 muncul kemungkinan serius akan pecahnya perang sipil di Irlandia.