Andres Otero- Primary Sources
Recollections of Fenians and Fenianism Vol. 1, John O’Leary (1893, Downey & Co.)
- Gives a detailed recant of John O’Leary’s experience as a Fenian; O’Leary, a founder of
Fenianism along with James Stephens, describes the process of starting the Fenian
movement and spreading it throughout Ireland and the United States
The Secret History of the Fenian Conspiracy: Its Origin, Objects, & Ramifications, John
Rutherford (1877, C. Kegan Paul & Co.)
- Gives detail on one of the founders of Fenianism and the IRB, James Stephens, explains
the rise of Fenian press such as the “Phoenix” and the “Irish People”
Was Fenianism Ever Formidable?, William O’Brien (1897)
- Questions whether the several insurrections the Fenians staged throughout the 1860’s
made any noise beyond Ireland, examines the extent to which the British government
and population saw the Irish and the IRB as a threat
Fenianism- Past and Present, Frank Hugh O’Donnell (1883)
- Makes a connection between the Irish revolution movement and the American Civil
War, explains how Irish Americans fighting for the Union Army helped rally support for
the early Fenian cause in America
The Irish People, Volume 2, Number 43, September 16, 1865
- Describes the arrest of several fenian leaders including Irish People editor John O’Leary,
highlighting the oppressive nature of the British government during the 1860’s due to
the spread of Fenianism Turbulent Paris; Baroness Bonde's Letters Describing the Revolution of 1848 (1848, New York
Times)
- Recalls the events that occurred during the Irish Revolution of 1848 against the British,
the first of its kind since the botched 1798 uprising and the event that triggered what
would become the formation of the IRB
Fenian Trials (1866, Chicago Tribune)
- Gives a description on the trials that were taking place in the conviction of fenian
leaders at the time. Highlights the oppressive nature of the British government during
the independence threat of the 1860’s
The Fenian Brotherhood Records and O'Donovan Rossa Personal Papers (1858-1909, Catholic
University of America)
- Details Fenian activity occurring throughout the latter 19th century in both Ireland and
the United States, highlighting invasions of Canada in 1866 and 1870, a small rebellion in
Ireland in 1867, all stopped by British forces
The Irish People: https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:426929?type=AllFields
- Fenian newspaper that spread pro-Irish independence support throughout Dublin. The
Irish People fell under scrutiny from the British government and was ultimately
suppressed, with its editors being exiled/arrested. Gives summaries of Fenians activities
in the 1860’s