"In sober dignity": the Irish Brigade, ethnicity, and the Irish Catholic temperance movement in the Civil War era. Issue 2 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smithmyer, Abbi
• Is Part Of: American nineteenth century history. Volume 23:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: Ethnicity -- temperance -- Catholic -- Irish Brigade; United States -- History -- 19th century -- Periodicals; 973.5
• DOI: 10.1080/14664658.2022.2131243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-4658

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study shows how Irish Catholic temperance groups challenged nativist stereotypes towards Irish immigrants. Irish Americans used abstinence to achieve a respectable reputation among native-born Americans in the Civil War era. By linking Civil War service with the temperance efforts of Irishmen who fought for the Union Army, prominent members of the ethnic group demonstrated that Irish Americans were respectable and virtuous citizens of the United States throughout the Civil War era.