As mid-19th century America erupted in violence with the invasion of Mexico and the outbreak of the Civil War, Irish immigrants enthusiastically joined the fray in large numbers, on both sides, mainly seeking stable employment. In Southern cities Irish volunteers vigorously backed the Confederacy; in the North they were vastly over-represented in the US Army and Navy. They were often seen as disruptive in national affairs - Confederate General Patrick Cleburne called for the enlistment of slaves in exchange for their freedom, while in New York City Irish-led draft riots ensued when the Emancipation Proclamation made the war a liberating mission. History has honored the valor of many, such as the Irish Brigade at Gettysburg. This collection of essays examines the involvement of Irish men and women in American military life from 1840 to 1865.