The Fenians

The Fenians were members of 19th-century organizations aiming to promote Irish independence from British rule. Originating in Ireland and later expanding to Irish communities in the United States and Canada, they believed armed rebellion was necessary to achieve national sovereignty. The most notable group, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, engaged in covert activities and planned uprisings, such as the 1867 Fenian Rising in Ireland. Although they were ultimately unsuccessful in their immediate goals, the Fenians played a significant role in inspiring Irish nationalist movements and influencing later efforts toward independence.