Lincoln and the Irish Book Reviews

Lincoln and the Irish by Niall O'Dowd Book Summary

An unprecedented narrative of the relationship that swung the Civil War.

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.”

Lincoln and the Irish untangles one of the most fascinating subtexts of the Civil War: Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with the men and women coming to America to escape the Irish famine.

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 Lincoln’s 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.

👋 Do you love Lincoln and the Irish books? Please share your friends!

Lincoln and the Irish (Niall O'Dowd) Book Reviews 2024

Niall O'Dowd - Lincoln and the Irish Discussions & Comments

Have you read this book yet? What do you think about Lincoln and the Irish by Niall O'Dowd book? Ask the bookpedia.co community a question about Lincoln and the Irish!