1. Peter Vronsky, “Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion and the 1866 Battle that Made Canada”
- Vronsky’s book is one of the most comprehensive accounts of the Battle of Ridgeway, the most significant military engagement of the Fenian Raids. The book explores the background, the battle itself, and its impact on Canadian military development and national identity.
2. John Boyko, “Blood and Daring: How Canada Fought the American Civil War and Forged a Nation”
- Boyko provides an insightful exploration of Canada’s involvement in the American Civil War era, including the Fenian Raids. The book discusses the military and political ramifications of the raids on Canadian defense and the evolution of the militia system.
3. David A. Wilson, “The Irish in Canada”
- Wilson’s book provides a broader look at Irish influence in Canada, with significant sections dedicated to the Fenian movement. It examines the military actions of the Fenians and their impact on Canadian defense forces and the development of a national identity.
4. Terry Copp, “The Canadian Militia: From 1855 to 1871”
- Copp’s work provides a thorough examination of the development of the Canadian militia during the mid-19th century, including its response to the Fenian Raids. It explores how the raids highlighted the need for better military preparedness and led to reforms in the militia system.
5. Ellen C. K. Lawson and Marlene Epp, “Mennonites in Canada, 1786-1920: The History of a Separate People”
- Though focused on Mennonites, this book provides valuable context for how various communities in Canada, including pacifist groups, responded to the Fenian Raids. It explores the military and social consequences of the raids and how they influenced public opinion on national defense.
6. Patrick P. Barry, “The Fenians in Canada, 1866-1871”
- Barry’s work offers a detailed account of the Fenian movement in Canada, focusing on the military strategies of the Fenians and their incursions across the border. The book covers the key military engagements and the response of Canadian and British forces.
7. W.S. Wallace, “The Report of the Fenian Raids Commission, 1866-1871”
- This primary source document provides valuable insights into the military and governmental response to the Fenian Raids. It includes official reports, testimonies, and recommendations for strengthening Canadian defenses in light of the raids.
8. Alexander M. Dagg, “Militia Myths: Ideas of the Canadian Citizen Soldier, 1865-1914”
- Dagg’s book explores the evolution of the Canadian militia and its role in national defense, with a particular focus on the Fenian Raids. The book discusses how the raids shaped public perceptions of the militia and led to the development of a more professional military force.
9. Greg Marquis, “In Armageddon’s Shadow: The Civil War and Canada’s Maritime Provinces”
- Marquis examines the impact of the American Civil War on Canada’s Maritime provinces, including the influence of the Fenian Raids. The book provides insights into the military and political tensions caused by the raids and the role of Canadian forces in defending against them.
10. Donald E. Graves, “Guns Across the River: The Battle of the Windmill, 1838”
- Though focused on an earlier conflict, Graves’ analysis of Canadian military actions provides useful context for understanding the preparedness and challenges faced by Canadian forces during the Fenian Raids. The book explores the defense of Canada from border incursions and the importance of military readiness.
11. William Jenkins, “Between Raid and Rebellion: The Irish in Buffalo and Toronto, 1867-1916”
- Jenkins’ book provides a comparative study of Irish communities in Buffalo and Toronto, with a focus on the Fenian Raids. It examines how Irish identity and the Fenian movement influenced military actions on both sides of the border and the Canadian response to these incursions.
12. Donald A. MacKenzie, “Fenian Fire: The British Government Plot to Assassinate Queen Victoria”
- MacKenzie’s work looks at the broader context of the Fenian movement, including its activities in North America. While focused on British history, the book provides important insights into how the Fenian threat shaped military and intelligence responses in Canada.
13. C.P. Stacey, “Canada and the British Army, 1846-1871: A Study in the Practice of Responsible Government”
- Stacey’s work examines the relationship between Canada and the British Army during the mid-19th century, including the role of British forces in defending Canada from the Fenian Raids. The book provides a detailed analysis of military cooperation and the transition to Canadian control of defense.
14. Brendan O’Shea, “The Fenians: Irish Rebellion in the North Atlantic World, 1858-1876”
- O’Shea’s book focuses on the global scope of the Fenian movement, with specific attention to the Fenian Raids in Canada. The book explores the military organization of the Fenians, their strategies, and the response from Canadian and British military forces.
15. L.H. Thomas, “The Struggle for Responsible Government in the North-West Territories, 1870-97”
- Thomas’ work provides context for the political and military developments in Canada’s Northwest Territories during the period of the Fenian Raids. The book discusses the impact of the raids on Canadian defense policies and the government’s approach to maintaining security in remote areas.
16. Martin Griffin, “Ashes of the Mind: War and Memory in Northern Literature, 1865-1900”
- Although focused on literary responses to war, Griffin’s book explores how the Fenian Raids and other military conflicts were remembered in Canadian and American literature. It provides insights into how the military aspects of the raids were represented and how they influenced national identity.
17. David P. Gagan, “The Denison Family of Toronto, 1792-1925”
- Gagan’s biography of the Denison family, prominent military figures in Toronto, provides insights into the role of Canadian military leadership during the Fenian Raids. The book discusses the defense of Toronto and the broader military response to the threat of Fenian incursions.
18. Peter G. Goheen, “Victorian Toronto, 1850-1900: Pattern and Process of Growth”
- Goheen’s study of Victorian Toronto provides important context for the military and political landscape during the Fenian Raids. The book explores how the raids affected Toronto’s military infrastructure and the role of the local militia in defending the city.
19. Richard Reid, “African Canadians in Union Blue: Enlisting for the Cause in the Civil War”
- Reid’s book examines the role of African Canadians in the Union Army during the American Civil War, with some discussion of their involvement in Canadian militia forces during the Fenian Raids. It provides a unique perspective on the military contributions of African Canadians during this period.
20. John Herd Thompson and Stephen J. Randall, “Canada and the United States: Ambivalent Allies”
- This comprehensive study of Canadian-American relations includes a section on the Fenian Raids, focusing on the military and diplomatic challenges they posed. The book provides an analysis of how the raids influenced Canadian defense policies and relations with the United States.
These references provide a comprehensive overview of the military aspects of the Fenian Raids, including the battles, militia involvement, and the long-term impact on Canadian defense policies and national identity.