The IRA & the Battle for America

The IRA & the Battle for America

From Irish History Podcast by Fin Dwyer

March 27, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

This episode explores the battle for American public opinion during the Irish War of Independence and the opposition faced by Irish republicans in the United States.

“Keep handing it to the Micks. The Roman Catholic Irish are, and always have been, the only un-Americanised people in the United States.”   These words came from a supporter of Admiral William S. Sims, an ardent opponent of Irish republicans in the United States in the 1920s.  This episode of  Brothers in Pain  explores the crucial battle for American public opinion during the Irish War of Independence.  While the equivalent of over one hundred million dollars was raised for republican organisations and for victims of the war of independence in Ireland, there was also strong opposition to Irish independence in the United States. Leading American politicians regarded Britain as a key ally, while groups like the Ku Klux Klan despised what they saw as immigrant politics.  This podcast tells the history of this crucial battleground in the Irish War of Independence.  Brothers in Pain is a groundbreaking series by Dr Brian Hanley that explores the international dimensions of the Irish War of Independence.   Written, Researched & Narrated by Dr Brian Hanley Producer Fin Dwyer Sound Kate Dunlea Note from Brian : In…

People in this episode

Host: Fin Dwyer

Topics covered

  • Irish War of Independence
  • American public opinion
  • Irish republicanism
  • immigrant politics
  • historical opposition
  • fundraising for independence

Keywords

  • Irish history
  • American politics
  • fundraising
  • Irish republicans
  • public opinion
  • Ku Klux Klan
  • Admiral William S. Sims

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ku Klux Klan, Admiral William S. Sims

Places: United States, Ireland

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