On May 31st, 1866 an army of about 800 Irish- American Civil War Veterans embarked on the docks of Pratt Ironworks crossing the Niagara River with the ambitious objective of holding British North America hostage for the Freedom of Ireland. This ambitious endeavor probably helped bring about the creation of Canada in 1867, and to some degree helped inspire the Easter Rebellion of 1916 in Ireland, leading in time to a Free Ireland in the future.
Events have consequences, influences, and effects on history and our lived lives. The Ukrainian-Russian War has affected world markets, the booming economic influx upon weapon manufacturing increased tensions across the world, and a huge influx of Refugees in the EU and beyond. Some events have more influence on the world than others. Massacres, corruption, and genocide in Africa are viewed as ongoing traditional business. Been there, done that attitude over and over again. World events set themselves up to have significant influence dependent upon their location and the people involved.
Irish demands and intentions in the 18th century were laughed at by the British until Irish Nationals lifted their rifles and shot at British Soldiers. In Canada, the Truck Convoy could have become something entirely different from what it became. Protesting could easily have become much like January 6th in Washington, a time of rebellion and an attempted coup. Emotions and political fevers rise high, driving people towards an act of defiance. Aboriginal Peoples have marched in protest, as too Quebecers, Westerners, and others determined to achieve a goal, a satisfactory conclusion to their story. Fenian rebels attempted the impossible, trying to push The British Empire towards an attitude of Irish self-rule. It did not happen, and men died in the process. Empires and multi-nation corporations, tyrants, and political opportunists care little for the little guy. Profit is all that counts to these entities. Money and influence = Power.
Can good things/events influence history as violent, destructive events do? Hard to say. Apartheid in South Africa resulted in an entire people being oppressed, with civil war and violent conflict for years. The result of these horrible things, was the establishment of a multi-racial democracy, the placement of Nelson Mandela as President, and a nation struggling in many ways, but still an example of what is good in Africa and beyond. Violence has its place in our history and socio-cultural development. It seems right that when freedom, peace, and social conscience result from violent actions, consideration of what is right and wrong in history needs to be reviewed and understood.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford. Ontario
[email protected]
