Lincoln and the Irish: The Untold Story of How the Irish Helped Abraham Lincoln Save the Union

Niall ODowd's book explores Abraham Lincoln's complex relationship with the Irish immigrants arriving in America to escape the Irish famine, which began with mutual disdain but evolved into one of support and loyalty. Lincoln's first political actions included intimidating Irish voters, but he eventually hired Irish nannies and donated to the Irish famine fund. The Irish would repay Lincoln's faith by helping swing the Civil War in his favor, including some of his best generals and staunchest advocates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

From the founder of IrishCentral, a fascinating piece of Civil War history: Lincolns relationship with the immigrants arriving in America to escape the Irish famine.

"If you're a Lincoln fan like me, you'll love this book." — Liam Neeson

When Pickett charged at Gettysburg, it was the all-Irish Pennsylvania 69th who held fast while the surrounding regiments broke and ran. And it was Abraham Lincoln who, a year earlier at Malvern Hill, picked up a corner of one of the Irish colors, kissed it, and said, "God bless the Irish flag."

Renowned Irish-American journalist Niall O'Dowd gives unprecedented insight into a relationship that began with mutual disdain. Lincoln saw the Irish as instinctive supporters of the Democratic opposition, while the Irish saw the English landlord class in Lincolns Republicans. But that dynamic would evolve, and the Lincoln whose first political actions included intimidating Irish voters at the polls would eventually hire Irish nannies and donate to the Irish famine fund.

When he was voted into the White House, Lincoln surrounded himself with Irish staff, much to the chagrin of a senior aide who complained about the Hibernian cabal. And the Irish would repay Lincoln's faith—their numbers and courage would help swing the Civil War in his favor, and among them would be some of his best generals and staunchest advocates.

The Irish played a significant role in the Civil War, with their numbers and courage helping swing the war in Lincoln's favor. Lincoln's relationship with the Irish began with mutual disdain, but it evolved over time. He saw the Irish as instinctive supporters of the Democratic opposition, while the Irish saw the English landlord class in Lincolns Republicans. However, Lincoln's first political actions included intimidating Irish voters at the polls, and he eventually hired Irish nannies and donated to the Irish famine fund.

When he was voted into the White House, Lincoln surrounded himself with Irish staff, much to the chagrin of a senior aide who complained about the Hibernian cabal. The Irish would repay Lincoln's faith, with their numbers and courage helping swing the Civil War in his favor. Some of Lincoln's best generals and staunchest advocates were Irish, including General Patrick Cleburne, who was one of his most trusted generals and advocated for Irish rights.

The Irish also played a significant role in the Union's victory at Gettysburg, where the all-Irish Pennsylvania 69th held fast while the surrounding regiments broke and ran. Lincoln's recognition of the Irish flag at Malvern Hill was a significant moment in the relationship between the two groups, and it helped to build trust and understanding between them.

In conclusion, Lincolns relationship with the immigrants arriving in America to escape the Irish famine was a complex and fascinating part of American history. While it began with mutual disdain, it evolved over time, and the Irish played a significant role in the Civil War. Lincoln's recognition of the Irish flag at Malvern Hill was a significant moment in the relationship between the two groups, and it helped to build trust and understanding between them.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781510766303