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

From the founding father of IrishCentral, an enchanting piece of Civil Conflict historical past: Lincoln’s relationship with the immigrants arriving in America to flee the Irish famine. “When you’re a Lincoln fan like me, you’ll love this e-book.” —Liam Neeson

When Pickett charged at Gettysburg, it was the all-Irish Pennsylvania 69th who held quick whereas the encircling regiments broke and ran. And it was Abraham Lincoln who, a 12 months earlier at Malvern Hill, picked up a nook of one of many Irish colours, kissed it, and stated, “God bless the Irish flag.”

Famend Irish-American journalist Niall O’Dowd offers unprecedented perception right into a relationship that started with mutual disdain. Lincoln noticed the Irish as instinctive supporters of the Democratic opposition, whereas the Irish noticed the English landlord class in Lincoln’s Republicans. However that dynamic would evolve, and the Lincoln whose first political actions included intimidating Irish voters on the polls would finally rent Irish nannies and donate to the Irish famine fund.

When he was voted into the White Home, Lincoln surrounded himself with Irish workers, a lot to the chagrin of a senior aide who complained concerning the Hibernian cabal. And the Irish would repay Lincoln’s religion—their numbers and braveness would assist swing the Civil Conflict in his favor, and amongst them can be a few of his finest generals and staunchest advocates.