Fenian raids

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The Fenian raids were attacks by members of the Fenian Brotherhood based in the United States, on British army forts, customs posts and other targets in Canada in order to bring pressure on Britain to withdraw from Ireland, between 1866 and 1871. The raids were successfully repelled by British forces and local militias. They divided many Irish-Canadians, many of whom were torn between loyalty to their new home and sympathy for the aims of the Fenians. A lot of the Irish, particularly the Protestants, were fiercely loyal to Britain and fought the Fenians. While the U.S. authorities arrested the men and confiscated their arms afterwards, many in government had turned a blind eye to the preparations for the invasion, angered at British support for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. There were five Fenian raids to note. Canada was and is a particularly strong region for Orangeism due to the large number of Protestant immigrants from Ireland and Scotland.

Related Topics:
Fenian Brotherhood - United States - British army - Canada - Britain - Ireland - Irish-Canadian - Fenian - Confederacy - American Civil War - Orangeism - Scotland

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