Why did the Irish participate in the American Civil War in such a great number? Why were they so special? German immigrants, for example, joined the war in just as a big number as the Irish did. But never did a unit that consisted of mainly Germans carry the colours or symbols of their homeland into a battle of the American Civil War like the Irish did.
In this paper I want to clarify why the Irish had such a big impact on the American Civil war. Further, I want to show that the Irishmen fought for more than just the Confederation or the Union but for their home country and much more.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Irish soldiers in the North and South
- The pro-slavery sentiment of the Irish in America
- The great New York Draft Riots of 1863
- Thomas Francis Meagher and the Irish Brigade
- Enlistment
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to elucidate the significant impact of Irish immigrants on the American Civil War, demonstrating that their participation transcended mere support for the Union or Confederacy. It delves into the motivations behind their enlistment and highlights their unique contributions, particularly in forming distinct Irish units within both armies.
- The role of Irish immigrants in the American Civil War
- The factors influencing Irish enlistment in both the Union and Confederate armies
- The formation and significance of Irish units within both armies
- The prominence of Irish-born leaders like Thomas Francis Meagher
- The interplay between Irish identity and loyalty to their adopted country
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The paper begins by setting the context of the American Civil War, highlighting its impact and the significant involvement of immigrant groups, particularly the Irish. It introduces the Irish Potato Famine as a major driver of Irish immigration to the United States.
- Irish soldiers in the North and South: This chapter explores the complexities of Irish loyalty during the war, noting that their allegiances often aligned with their regional location rather than a singular national identity. It discusses the prominence of Irish soldiers in both the Union and Confederate armies, highlighting the presence of Irish-born generals and the formation of distinct Irish units.
- Thomas Francis Meagher and the Irish Brigade: This section focuses on the life and career of Thomas Francis Meagher, a prominent Irish-born figure during the Civil War. It details his journey from Irish revolutionary to Union officer, and his creation of the Irish Brigade as a symbol of Irish pride and a testament to the Wild Geese who fought for England's European enemies.
- Enlistment: This chapter examines the influx of Irish immigrants into the Union Army following President Lincoln's call for volunteers. It highlights the eagerness of these new arrivals to join the fight, emphasizing the significant number of Irish-born soldiers within the Federal ranks.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key themes and concepts explored in this paper include Irish immigration, the American Civil War, Irish identity, the Irish Brigade, Thomas Francis Meagher, pro-slavery sentiment, and the role of foreign-born soldiers in the conflict.
- Quote paper
- Daniel Obländer (Author), 2007, The Irish and the American Civil War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/154863
