Question

question 2 (multiple choice worth 5 points)
(03.06r mc)

why did some irish americans oppose world war i?

they opposed the war as conscientious objectors.
they supported the might of their nation of origin.
they supported the german occupation of belgium.
they resented great britains occupation of ireland.

Explanation:

Analyze historical context of Irish Americans in WWI

During World War I, the United States entered the conflict on the side of the Allied Powers, which included Great Britain. At this time, Ireland was under British rule, and the struggle for Irish independence was highly active (notably marked by the Easter Rising of 1916).

Evaluate Irish American perspectives on Great Britain

Many Irish Americans harbored deep resentment toward Great Britain due to centuries of subjugation, the Great Famine, and the ongoing violent suppression of Irish independence movements. Consequently, they opposed aiding Great Britain in the war.

Assess the given multiple-choice options

• Option 1: "They opposed the war as conscientious objectors." This is incorrect; while some individuals were conscientious objectors, this was not the primary reason for collective Irish American opposition.
• Option 2: "They supported the might of their nation of origin." This is incorrect; Ireland was not a sovereign "might" at the time, but rather occupied by Britain.
• Option 3: "They supported the German occupation of Belgium." This is incorrect; Irish Americans did not widely support German expansionism or the invasion of Belgium.
• Option 4: "They resented Great Britain's occupation of Ireland." This is correct, as many Irish Americans did not want to support an alliance that benefited Great Britain while Ireland remained occupied.

Answer:

• (A) They opposed the war as conscientious objectors.
• (B) They supported the might of their nation of origin.
• (C) They supported the German occupation of Belgium.
• (D) They resented Great Britain's occupation of Ireland. (Correct answer)