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The Incredible Story of James Alphonsus McKenna, the Irish Nationalist and Army Officer Who Invaded Canada

Desmond Foster

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Published in John C O Neill: The Irish Nationalist And U S Army Officer Who Invaded Canada

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James Alphonsus McKenna was an Irish nationalist and army officer who led an invasion of Canada in 1866. McKenna was born in Ireland in 1838. He joined the British Army in 1855 and served in the Crimean War. After the war, he returned to Ireland and became involved in the Fenian movement, a group of Irish nationalists who were fighting for Irish independence.

John C. O'Neill: The Irish Nationalist and U.S. Army Officer Who Invaded Canada

by Ann Zwinger

4.5 out of 5

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In 1866, McKenna was appointed to lead a Fenian invasion of Canada. The invasion was intended to force the British government to grant Ireland independence. McKenna and his followers crossed the bFree Download into Canada and captured the town of Fort Erie. However, the invasion was quickly defeated by the Canadian militia. McKenna was captured and sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life in prison.

McKenna was released from prison in 1871 and returned to Ireland. He continued to be involved in the Fenian movement until his death in 1916.

McKenna's invasion of Canada was a failure, but it had a significant impact on Irish nationalism. The invasion showed that the Irish were willing to fight for their independence, and it helped to inspire future generations of Irish nationalists.

McKenna's Early Life

James Alphonsus McKenna was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1838. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. McKenna was a bright and ambitious child, and he excelled in his studies. He attended St. Patrick's College in Armagh, and he later studied law at Trinity College Dublin.

In 1855, McKenna joined the British Army. He served in the Crimean War, where he was wounded in action. After the war, he returned to Ireland and became involved in the Fenian movement.

The Fenian Movement

The Fenian movement was a group of Irish nationalists who were fighting for Irish independence. The Fenians were founded in 1858, and they quickly grew in popularity. The Fenians believed that Ireland could only be free if it was independent from British rule.

McKenna was a strong supporter of the Fenian movement. He believed that Ireland had the right to self-determination, and he was willing to fight for Irish independence.

The Invasion of Canada

However, the invasion was quickly defeated by the Canadian militia. McKenna was captured and sentenced to death. However, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison.

McKenna's Legacy

McKenna was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brave and dedicated soldier, but he was also a ruthless and violent man. However, there is no doubt that he was a passionate Irish nationalist, and he was willing to give his life for his country's independence.

John C. O'Neill: The Irish Nationalist and U.S. Army Officer Who Invaded Canada

by Ann Zwinger

4.5 out of 5