US Civil War Veterans Invade Canada - The Fenian Invasion 1866

The story of the Irish Fenian invasion of Canada in 1866.

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In 1866, Irish veterans from the US Civil War (supporting the Fenian Brotherhood) tried to invade Canada in an effort to free Ireland from British rule.

It's a fascinating, forgotten tale, from 19th century history and throws up some heroes, like Irish leader Colonel John O'Neill, and some slightly more dubious characters, like Canadian militia commander Lt. Colonel Alfred Booker.

Whilst the Fenians achieved a victory at the battle of Ridgeway, they simply didn't have the numbers to make that victory count and eventually retreated back to the USA.

The Fenian invasion (and some associated Fenian raids) accelerated the moves towards forming a united Canada.
The Dominion of Canada was established the following year (1867).


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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:34 Fenian Brotherhood
1:15 John O'Mahoney
2:33 Gen. Thomas Sweeny
2:53 Fenian invasion of Canada
4:11 John O'Neill's invasion
5:30 USS Michigan
6:29 Canadian Response
7:09 Col. Alfred Booker
8:31 Join my Supporter's Club
9:03 Battle of Ridgeway
11:11 Defeat of Fenian Invasion
13:14 What happened next?


Chris Green isThe History Chap:
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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.

History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.

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