Smithsonian Ch. Fighting Irish of the Civil War Series 1 (2011) 1080p HDTV x264 AAC mvgroup

The Civil War would dictate the course of America, and many of the men determining its fate had just recently arrived on its shores. Among them was the Irish Brigade, proud thousands who marched with the Stars and Stripes and the green flag of Ireland side by side.

Their brave campaign is brought to life through forensic evidence, dramatic battle reconstructions and rare archival photos. This is the definitive story of how the Fighting Irish found a new home in America and paved the way for all immigrant groups that followed.

Part 1: Clear The Way
It wasn't long after the Civil War began that Lincoln knew he was in for a fight. For the North to prevail, it would need the efforts of its immigrants. The Irish Brigade was the brainchild of a charismatic revolutionary, Thomas Francis Meagher, who years ago in Ireland was sentenced to death by the English and later exiled to Australia. Embraced by Irish Americans as a rebel, Meagher rallied his people and they flocked to the Union banner.

Part 2: The Last Full Measure
Their valor in fighting for the Union had won the Irish Brigade the admiration of friend and foe alike, but the battle scars were showing. Overcome by the body count, Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher resigned, leaving their chaplain, William Corby, to provide leadership and guidance. Severe casualties in Fredericksburg and Gettysburg crippled the Brigade, but never their spirit.