For those who know history?

Question

Why did the Irish join the Mexican army?

Answer 1

They shared a common relgion, catholocism. Most Americans, especially nativists and groups like the know-nothing party, hated irish immigrants because they were catholic and took jobs at lower wages. This hate and persecution was powerful enough to compel some irishmen to go to mexico. It was the irishmen of mexico that were first described as "gringos"

Answer 2

One interesting aspect of the war involves the fate of U.S. Army deserters of Irish origin who joined the Mexican Army as the Batallion San Patricio (Saint Patrick's Battalion). This group of Catholic Irish immigrants rebelled at the abusive treatment by Protestant, American-born officers and at the treatment of the Catholic Mexican population by the U.S. Army. At this time in American history, Catholics were an ill-treated minority, and the Irish were an unwanted ethnic group in the United States. In September 1847, the U.S. Army hanged sixteen surviving members of the San Patricios as traitors. To this day, they are considered heroes in Mexico.

Answer 3

Los San Patricios

http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/irish.html
http://vivasancarlos.com/patrick.html
http://flag.blackened.net/revolt/mexico/img/more_san_ps.html

Answer 4

Free tequila. lol