Is it true that Americans from the North East funded the IRA? Why did they do this?

Question

Over in England they say we funded the IRA and they are kind of sore over it. (Blood buckets at our St. Paddie's day Parades labled "for the cause":
What is your opinion on why Irish Americans did this?

Geek: I know, I am Irish American myself, from the North East... I remember the cause against North Ireland, but I was very young. My great grandparents came over from Ireland during the famine and after.
..Just seeing what your opinion is about this.
I think they were doing it for solidarity and because they wanted Ireland to be a 'free' nation. Perhaps the reasons which drove their parents and grandparents out of Ireland were still fresh in their memories.
I don't think anyone fully knew what horrible terrorists they were. But some still support their cause here.

Answer 1

Irish Americans funded the IRA out of patriotism - the last refuge of a scoundrel. Why should they have cared about how many people the killed in Ireland and the UK anymore than they cared who they killed in Vietnam or are killing now in Iraq?

Answer 2

I bust my Irish Friends about this every saint patricks day. Anyway after all the Irish that made their way to America 1830-1930 resulted in around 40 million Americans claiming Irish heritage. After The American Civil War Several Irish Military units wanted to Take Canada as a bargining tool against England. it failed to result in anything. Anyway the poor American education system does not touch on UK Irish relations to the point that most Americans still think the Republic Of Ireland and The UK are at war egad they toss money at the IRA never knowing the real reasons-- i tell them all the Time England was in Ireland for 700 years and Americans on Indian Land for 250, If they feel so strongly Call up the Indian affairs office and Donate your House and move to Ireland. Sorry I am of English heratige it amazes me the lack of knowledge here

Answer 3

Irish Americans hated England because of the Famine, among other things. They saw England as having forced them into exile.

In the late 1800s, early 1900s, remember that the Republic did not exist. All of Ireland was under British rule, so naturally, as Irish Americans became more affluent, they would have money available to send to Ireland to fund the struggle.

I don't know why this is so surprising to people. England screwed Ireland big time, so the English have no one to blame but the English government for this.

Love Jack

Answer 4

Historical bad blood. Some think it goes back to the potato famine. Ireland had a major crop failure and a lot of people were starving. The English told everyone that relief was on the way and it was not their concern. A lot of countries took them at their word and the English did not come through. Then you have the catholic Protestant thing... There is no account for logic when it comes to religion. Sometimes it is best to ask our trespasses be forgiven and to forgive those that trespass against us.

Answer 5

Janey -

Many of those people who donated were first- or second-generation immigrants from Ireland, and saw this as a struggle against the Brits.

Because these donors weren't actually in the country, seeing the damage of the violence, and because they weren't personally in danger, giving money seemed to be, well, more harmless.

Finally, to quote a rabbi I once knew -- "We all have our crazies." We've got them here too, and some are Irish descendants in the American North East.

Answer 6

The IRA counted on Irish Americans to support their cause against the Brits in Norther Ireland. It was so easy to be romantic about it without giving any thought to how much violence the IRA was capable of.

Jerry Adams, IRA leader, made the difference and his efforts, late as they were, changed everything.

Answer 7

This is a great example of why organizations like the United Nations are so vital. Most human dispute can be settled with dialogue and diplomacy--this battle between the Irish & English is longstanding and very complex. I don't think that there will ever be a military or paramilitary solution--only dialogue will settle very deep hurts and feelings of injustice on both parts.

Answer 8

I grew up in the north east in the middle of an Irish ghetto. I can tell you that the Irish are a tight knit group. For them the struggle in Ireland was religious, as in the middle east. It was a struggle between the Catholics and the Protestants. The Irish support the IRA cause as they would support their church. It was all for God.

Answer 9

Irish came to the US due to the dire conditions in Ireland. Once established, they continued to fight their cause the best way they could, by sending money back home. You need to read up on the British occupation of Ireland to understand this complex issue.

Answer 10

go with superdog, i'm from b'ham uk. just as an add on yes our nation and england alone has done some very nasty stuff over the years,( might still ?) but most brits on here dont do much invading . but those small number of americans ( compared to whole country ) donated on a personal level , which makes it a bit different ?.