Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 284 - The Fenian Raids
Nov 5, 2023
Irish-Americans invaded Canada in 1866; Irish immigration to the US and their participation in the Civil War; Fenian Raids and the mismatch between Fenians and British Canadian forces; lighthearted discussions on wearing shoes inside and hypothetical scenarios; opinions on TV shows, including 'Terriers' and 'Deadliest Warrior'; history of tattooing and Patreon support.
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Mass Irish Migration Changed America
- Hundreds of thousands of Irish emigrated to the U.S. across multiple waves, reshaping American cities and military ranks.
- Many arrived speaking Irish, Catholic, and faced intense nativist hostility that shaped communal responses.
U.S. Tolerance Enabled The Raids
- The U.S. government largely tolerated Fenian preparations and may have offered tacit support.
- High-profile officials and active-duty officers were implicated, blurring lines between state and rebel activity.
O'Neill's Public, Erratic Invasions
- John O'Neill planned a March 17, 1866 invasion but initial efforts fizzled with tiny turnouts.
- A later Niagara crossing amassed thousands briefly before logistics and desertion undermined it.