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Famine to Freedom
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Famine to Freedom (2011) (edit title/settings)

The Irish in the American Civil War

by J. J. Collins (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

Between 1845 and 1853, over one million Irish immigrants arrived in the United States. Escaping the potato famine in Ireland, they arrived in America to find themselves embroiled not only in a fight for survival against prejudice and violence, but in a conflict between the Northern and... read more

Summary edit see section history

A Must Read for Students of the Irish and American Civil War History!

Review by Author Lada Ray

I love history. So naturally, I was very interested in reading author J.J. Collins’ book about the unknown pages of the American Civil War. It seems the civil war subject had already... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

A Must Read for Students of the Irish and American Civil War History!

Review by Author Lada Ray

I love history. So naturally, I was very interested in reading author J.J. Collins’ book about the unknown pages of the American Civil War. It seems the civil war subject had already been done to death. But this book is drastically different. The author presents an absolutely fresh angle of this crucial page in the American history.

The book starts with an excellent overview of the general history of the Irish immigration to the USA and the state of the country before the start of the war. The author proceeds to analyze the reasons for the clash between the North and the South, and does so in a very balanced way. The book also contains a thorough overview of various battles during this brutal war. Abe Lincoln fans will find some interesting information about the American President’s role in various stages of the conflict.

But the most important part of the book is an in-depth description of various regiments of Irish and Scots-Irish descent and their role in the war. Of course, living in the USA, I heard a lot about the role of the Irish immigrants in the history of this country. Fleeing from potato famine and their ongoing conflict with the British authorities, they sought a fresh start and paradise on earth on the other side of the Atlantic. The Irish helped build railroads and canals, toiled at mills, and played a large role in the industrialization of the USA. They came for freedom and peace. But what they didn’t bargain for was to land in the midst of someone else’s civil war.

I was particularly interested – and surprised – to learn about the Irish in the American South and their participation in the Confederate Army. I think a reader will find quite a few discoveries in the book, from the scale of the Irish participation in the conflict to the difference in motivations of those Irish who found themselves on the opposite sides of the trenches. As with all civil wars, the society was divided to the max. But the author does an excellent job describing the conflict in an even-handed manner. His approach is balanced, yet humane.

The amount of research is very impressive and the book is surprisingly easy to read. The author’s pride in the Irish heritage adds further appeal to the book. However, I would have liked to see more personable and unique anecdotes adding a human touch to the book’s dramatic subject. That would have made it interesting to a broader audience and added even more value to this excellent work. All in all, Famine to Freedom is a must read for students of the Irish and American Civil War history. As for me, I am looking forward to the new books from this talented author!

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First Sentence edit see section history

America was a young nation full of promise and opportunity once it gained its independence; however, its own crossroads would be far more bloody and bitter when faced by the men, women, and children on both sides. America had seen booming growth since its independence, with growing industries, wealth, and opportunities for business and land. Its industries were expanding, and the country itself was growing exponentially and reaching westward, where new land opportunities awaited those who wished to consider and dream of vast riches. The Northern states were far more developed in terms of their urban centers, with Boston, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia employing large immigrant populations. The Southern states, on the other hand, were less populated. However, they were generally more of a gentrified type of people compared to those in the North, whom they viewed as lowly, common people. They kept a lot more of their English and Scots-Irish traditions, not only in terms of socializi

Table of Contents edit see section history

Chapter 1 The American Civil War and the Road to War
Chapter 2 Irish Arrival and Impact
Chapter 3 The American Civil War Background Information
Chapter 4 Total War
Chapter 5 The Irish Brigades
Chapter 6 Irish Union Regiments
Chapter 7 The Southern Confederate Irish
Chapter 8 Key Characters of the American Civil War
Chapter 9 Prominent Irish Civil War Characters
Chapter 10 The Impact and Consequences of the American Civil War
Chapter 11 The Irish after the American Civil War

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. J. J. Collins (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: Add the language.
Publisher: CreateSpace
Country: United States
Publication Date: August 8, 2011
ISBN: 1463513518
Page Count: 262 pages

Classification edit see section history

  • Copyright Status: Public Domain
  • Library of Congress: 2011908719
  • Dewey: 973

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Add the suggested reading level for this book.

Suitable for all ages

Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history

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