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.
The Fenian Brotherhood originally supported the struggle in Ireland but later fought in the US Civil War, showcasing their combat skills.
Irish immigrants faced discrimination and hostility upon arriving in the US, forming their own communities to preserve their cultural identity.
The Fenian invasions of Canada were unsuccessful due to lack of training, disorganization, and unity, marking the high watermark of their Canada plans.
Deep dives
The Fienian Brotherhood's goal to raise money and get weapons for their comrades back in Ireland
The Fienian Brotherhood was initially formed to raise funds and gather weapons to support the struggle in Ireland. It started as a branch of the IRA or the Irish Brotherhood. However, when the US Civil War broke out, many Irish Americans were conscripted into the Union Army. They navigated this new challenge, not being aware of their American citizenship until drafted. The Fienians fought in the war, proving their combat skills and earning respect as veterans.
The anti-Irish sentiment in the United States
Irish immigrants faced intense discrimination and racism upon arriving in the United States. They were seen as outsider due to their Catholic religion, different language (Irish Gaelic), and unfamiliar customs. The Irish were targets of the nativist and anti-immigrant sentiment of that era. In addition, they were also met with hostility from white Americans who viewed them as economic competition. The Irish formed their own communities centered around the Catholic Church, attempting to preserve their cultural identity amidst the hostility.
The failed Fienian invasions of Canada
The Fienians attempted to invade Canada multiple times as part of their revolutionary goals. Their invasions were largely unsuccessful due to various factors such as lack of training, disorganization, and inadequate planning. While they had combat veterans among their forces, the Fienians suffered from a lack of unity and cohesion as they were mismatched groups from different parts of the US and Confederacy with little familiarity with each other. Despite having more ammunition and combat experience, they ultimately faced defeat against better-trained British and Canadian forces. The Fienian invasions marked the high watermark of their Canada plans, as subsequent attempts would be met with further setbacks and failures.
The Formation of Irish Regiments in the US Civil War
During the US Civil War, many Irish volunteers formed their own regiments, with the 69th New York State Volunteers being one of the most Irish units. The unit was founded by members of the 1848 rebellion, and its senior officers were members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. These Irish regiments fought in major battles, carrying the regimental standard, which was a green flag with a golden harp.
The Failed Fenian Raids on Canada
The Fenians, a group seeking Irish independence, planned a series of invasions on Canada to provoke war between the US and Britain. These invasions were poorly organized and not kept secret. The US government did little to stop them, leading to tensions with Britain. The raiders, led by John O'Neill, attempted to invade Canada but failed in their attempts. The raids had negative consequences, strengthening Canadian nationalism and leading to a crackdown on Irish people in Ireland. The Fenian invasions were ultimately unsuccessful.
Once upon a time Irish-Americans thought it would be a good idea to invade Canada from the US. It did not go well.
CORRECTION: Andrew Johnson*
EDIT: I meant David Fincher
Sources:
https://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/chrono/1774fenian_e.html
https://www.military.com/undertheradar/2019/03/15/civil-war-vets-wanted-invade-canada-liberate-ireland.html
https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/fenians/index.aspx
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24778340
https://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/Century19th/FenianRaids
https://www.historynet.com/fenian-raids-invasions-of-british-ruled-canada/
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