Black Powder, White Lace: The du Pont Irish and Cultural Identity in Nineteenth-Century America

Margaret Mulrooney's history of Irish immigrant workers at the du Pont powder yards, Black Powder, White Lace, is being published again to remind readers of the rich materials available on the workers and of her powerful conclusions about immigrant communities in America. The du Ponts provided a host of benefits to their workers, making them loyal to their employers. Mulrooney's research reveals that powder mill families asserted their distinctive ethno-religious heritage while embracing U.S. capitalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Associated University Presses

Twenty years ago, Margaret Mulrooney's groundbreaking history of the Irish immigrant workers at the du Pont powder yards, Black Powder, White Lace, was published to widespread acclaim. However, with the advent of electronic access to the materials she used for her research and the ongoing debates surrounding immigration, a new edition of the book is being released to remind readers of the wealth of information available on the du Pont workers and Mulrooney's insightful conclusions about immigrant communities in America. While the work of explosives was inherently dangerous, the du Ponts offered a host of benefits to their employees. As a result, the Irish workers remained fiercely loyal to their employers, convinced by their daily experiences that their interests and the du Ponts were aligned.

Mulrooney's research takes a departure from the worksite and focuses on the domestic sphere, revealing that powder mill families simultaneously asserted their distinctive ethno-religious heritage while embracing the opportunities offered by U.S. capitalism. Through a wide array of sources, including interviews, government records, and personal memoirs, Mulrooney paints a vivid picture of the lives and experiences of these workers. She highlights the challenges they faced, such as long hours, low pay, and hazardous working conditions, but also emphasizes their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

One of the key themes of Mulrooney's book is the complex relationship between the Irish workers and the larger American society. She explores how the workers adapted to their new environment while maintaining their cultural and religious traditions. She also examines the impact of immigration on American society, highlighting the contributions and challenges that immigrant communities have brought to the country.

Black Powder, White Lace is a valuable addition to the literature on immigration and labor history, providing a fresh perspective on a previously overlooked community. It is a testament to Mulrooney's meticulous research and her ability to bring the past to life in a way that is both engaging and informative. As debates about immigration continue to shape our national conversation, this book serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse history of immigrant communities in America and the important contributions they have made to our society.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644532812