ed to
agree that Germany's respect for our neutral rights should be made to
depend on the conduct of other nations. President Wilson thus made clear
his intention to sever diplomatic relations if Germany's pledge should
be withdrawn or violated.

CONSCRIPTION IN GREAT BRITAIN.--The British government had kept up its
army by volunteering. The need of an army of five million could not
depend on this plan. A conscription bill therefore was passed making all
males between certain ages liable for military service. Ireland was
excepted from the provisions of this act.

SINN FEIN REBELLION.--Some of the more radical among the Irish Home
Rule party had formed an organization known as the Sinn Fein (shin f[=a]n),
an Irish phrase which means "for ourselves." Their aim was to make
Ireland an independent nation. The leaders of this group got into
correspondence with persons in Germany and were promised military
assistance if they would rebel against England. The rebellion broke out
April 24, 1916, without the promised help from Germany. For several days
the rebels held some of the principal buildings in Dublin. After much
bloodshed the rebellion was put down, and Sir Roger Casement, one of
those who had been in communication with Germany, was executed for
treason.

SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDY.--1. On an outline map of Europe
indicate the countries engaged in the war at the end of 1916.
Indicate the date of the entrance of each and the side on
which it was fighting. 2. Collect pictures illustrative of
life in the Balkans and of the war in that region. 3. Locate
Armenia. What do you know of the race and religion of its
population? 4. Where is Bagdad? Why is it important for the
British Empire that the valley of the Tigris-Euphrates should
not fall into the possession of a strong hostile power? What
do you know of the history of this region in ancient times?
What may become of Mesopotamia at the close of the war? 5. In
regard to Roumania tell what you know of its race, language,
religion, and industries prior to the war. Compare this
country with Bulgaria in regard to the facts you have
mentioned.

REFERENCES.--_War Cyclopedia_ (C.P.I.); _Study of the Great
War_ (C.P.I.); McKinley, _Collected Materials for the Study
of the War; New York Times History of the European War_.

CHAPTER XI

THE WAR IN 1917

THE WESTERN FRONT.--During the winter of 1916-1917