HIS 200 Historical Analysis Essay Progress Check 3
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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200
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History
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Matthew Mastrorocco
HIS-200 Applied History
Historical Analysis Essay Progress Check 3
4/13/2023
Southern New Hampshire University
1.
Historical events are so extremely important because it is history that provides us with the
actual data that allows us to understand how people and our societies behave. It also
guides us in the direction in creating laws, rules, and also theories about various aspects
of society. One of these important historical events is the decision and position taken of
the Irish Americans during the American Civil War and how this essentially shaped their
future in America. Irish immigrants were subject to social discrimination due to the belief
that their skills were not suitable. Lyrics from a song written in 1854 shows in real time
the discrimination towards the Irish, “I saw a place advartised. It's the thing for me, says
I; But the dirty spalpeen ended with: No Irish need apply” (Poole, 1854). They faced
extreme prejudice and unfairness for a very long time; however, a turning point that
affirmed their assimilation is when Irish Americans enlisted in the army to show support
for the Union, demonstrating their patriotism making this such an impactful and
significant historical event.
A)
The American Civil War started in 1861 after decades of uncompromising differences
and simmering tensions between the North and South, mainly over slavery and states’
rights. The tensions grew larger especially during an era of tremendous growth and at
the same time economical differences between these two regions.
B)
Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish American revolutionary, declared in the beginnings
of the American Civil War “It is our duty of every liberty-loving citizen to prevent
such a calamity at all hazards. Above all is it the duty of us Irish citizens, who aspire
to establish a similar form of government in our native land. It is not only our duty to
America, but also to Ireland” (McMahon, 2015). Irish Americans had their Irish pride
roots in their native land but also had pride and patriotism for their new life and new
home that they felt they owed their support. So as the Irish joined the Army in the
thousands and volunteered their lives to fight for the Union, their heroism and
patriotism gained the respect and support of Americans.
C)
This new chapter in America, which abolished slavery, was a piece to the puzzle that
affirmed the Irish Americans assimilation to America. After the Civil War ended, it
seemed that the Irish Americans became a bit more accepted in society and as a
whole. They were offered more jobs and opportunities. Along with these
opportunities they learned even more trades and became more educated and started
rising the social, economic, and political ladder. For an example, Michael Dougherty
a young Irish American soldier who fought in the Civil War, returned after the war to
his home in Bristol, Pennsylvania where he worked at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia
and eventually worked himself up the political chain and became a city councilman,
elevating him as a distinguished figure in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (Cronin,
2012). This was a complete 360 from what Irish Americans lives were like for
decades living in America.
D)
By using historical evidence we can look to our resources and see exactly how certain
events unfolded. By asking ourselves a few questions, we can see how this historical
event had such an impact on American history. With the influx of Irish coming to the
United States of America in the 1800’s, how did Irish Americans assimilate into
American Society by enlisting themselves in the Civil War? What changed for them
after the war? We can see how hard it was for decades trying to make a life for
themselves here in America due to how poor they were treated, discriminated against,
shunned, and not given equal opportunity. We see that when the Irish decided to enlist
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in the war by the thousands to fight for the freedom and the equal opportunity for all
Americans, that at the end of the Civil War they were finally recognized and
respected for their heroism and patriotism. This was a catalyst in their assimilation to
America and essentially is what gave them the opportunity to show what they can
offer this country as citizens of America. They began to rise in the social, economic,
and political aspects and was eventually shown the respect and given equal
opportunity that they deserved and worked so hard for.
2.
I believe my message was communicated in a way that was tailored to my audience
which would be Irish Americans who are interested in their family background and who
want to learn more about their ancestors. Another audience would be any immigrants
around this time who were immigrating to American for a better life and who have may
experience similar discrimination, for an example Italian immigrants. Of course, people
who are interested in the Civil War and who enlisted in the war. The immigration to the
United States is such a strong and powerful part of our history and by researching more
into the origins of this may open up more answers to questions from certain audience
members that they may have.
References:
Cronin, S. (2012). An Irishman’s Civil War Diary. Irish America Magazine.
https://www.irishamerica.com/2012/07/an-irishmans-civil-war-diary/
McMahon, C. (2015). The Global Dimensions of Irish Identity: Race, Nation, and the
Popular Press, 1840-1880. The University of North Carolina Press.
https://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=965080&site=ehost-
live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_Cover
Poole, J. (1854). No Irish Need Apply. H. De Marsan, Publisher, 54 Chatham Street, New
York.
https://www.loc.gov/resource/amss.as109730.0/?st=text