Young Ireland: A Global Afterlife

The book explores the role of a group of Irish nationalists, the Young Irelanders, who were exiled from Ireland after a failed rebellion during the Great Famine. Despite their exile, they played formative roles in the building of new nations and states, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. Christopher Morash highlights how the Young Irelanders developed philosophies of nationalism, democracy, citizenship, and minority rights in Ireland that became an integral part of their engagement with their adopted nations. The book also explores the stories and political trajectories of several important figures who were part of the Young Ireland movement, including an acting-Governor of the Territory of Montana, a Union Army General, a Confederate newspaper owner, and a Premier of Victoria.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

The Young Irelanders: A Forgotten Chapter in Irish History

The Young Irelanders, a group of Irish nationalists in the mid-nineteenth century, played a significant role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Australia, Canada, and the United States. Despite their failed rebellion in Ireland during the Great Famine, they were exiled from their homeland and sought new opportunities in the emerging nations of the Pacific Rim.

The Young Irelanders developed a unique brand of nationalism that emphasized the rights of the Irish people and their desire for independence from British rule. They were also deeply committed to democracy and social justice, advocating for the rights of workers and the poor.

After their exile, the Young Irelanders took up important positions in the political and cultural life of their adopted nations. They played a key role in the formation of Australia's first parliament, the establishment of Canada's first national newspaper, and the promotion of Irish culture and heritage in the United States.

One of the most notable Young Irelanders was John O'Sullivan, a charismatic orator and political journalist who became a prominent figure in the United States. O'Sullivan's newspaper, the United States Magazine and Democratic Review, played a crucial role in shaping public opinion in the United States and promoting the cause of Irish independence.

Another key figure was Daniel O'Connell, a lawyer and political leader who played a pivotal role in the formation of Ireland's Catholic Church and the repeal of the Roman Catholic Church's anti-democratic laws. O'Connell's political philosophy was deeply influenced by his Irish nationalist beliefs, and he applied these principles to his work in Ireland and his adopted nations.

Despite their significant contributions, the Young Irelanders faced many challenges in their adopted nations. They were often marginalized by the dominant political and cultural elites, and their nationalist ideals were often seen as a threat to established institutions.

However, the Young Irelanders continued to promote their ideas and ideals, and their legacy can be seen in the political and cultural life of Australia, Canada, and the United States. They played a key role in shaping the development of these nations and in promoting the values of democracy, social justice, and cultural diversity.

In conclusion, the Young Irelanders were a group of Irish nationalists who played a significant role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Australia, Canada, and the United States. Despite their failed rebellion in Ireland, they continued to promote their nationalist ideals and values in their adopted nations, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence contemporary debates about nationalism, democracy, and cultural identity.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479822218