With St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) being celebrated this week, In The Past Lane takes a look at some fascinating Irish American history. 1. We start with a feature piece on why Americans in the late 19th century associated Irish immigrants with terrorism. That’s right, long before 9/11, the Irish loomed large as a dangerous immigrant group that committed acts of terrorism. 2) Next, we present a feature on Hercules Mulligan, the Irish immigrant who served as a trusted spy against the British during the American revolution. You might recognize his name if you
‘ve seen “Hamilton, The Musical,” or listened to the soundtrack. 3) Then we turn to The History Skinny, the segment where we talk about news stories that relate to history. This week we chat it up with In The Past Lane’s Senior Historical Correspondent, Stephanie Yuhl. 4)and finally, it’s on to a short piece on the dozens of American slang terms (47 to be precise) that start with the word “Irish.” Ever hear of Irish confetti? Better listen in.
[episode notes and credits below]
Episode 007 notes and credits
Further Reading about the Irish and the Fenian Movement
Terry Golway, For the Cause of Liberty: A Thousand Years of Ireland’s Heroes (2000).
Shane Kenna, Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa: Unrepentant Fenian (2015)
K.R.M. Short, The dynamite war: Irish American bombers in Victorian Britain (1979).
Peter Vronsky, Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion and the 1866 Battle That Made Canada (2011)
Patrick Freyne, “‘O’Dynamite’ Rossa: Was Fenian leader the first terrorist?” The Irish Times, Aug 1, 2015 http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/o-dynamite-rossa-was-fenian-leader-the-first-terrorist-1.2303447
Niall Whelehan, “Scientific warfare or the quickest way to liberate Ireland’: the Brooklyn Dynamite School,” History Ireland, Nov/Dec 2008.http://www.historyireland.com/18th-19th-century-history/scientific-warfare-or-the-quickest-way-to-liberate-ireland-the-brooklyn-dynamite-school/
Music:
Jay Graham, ITPL Intro (courtesy, JayGMusic.com)
Kevin McCleod, “Impact Moderato” (Free Music Archive)
Lee Rosevere, “Going Home” (Free Music Archive)
Andy Cohen, “Trophy Endorphins” (Free Music Archive)
The Bell, “I Am History” (Free Music Archive)
Howie and Ann Mitchell, “Irish Washerwoman” (Free Music Archive)