However the Irish stood strong, and assimilation began to slowly occur. Throughout the years, the Irish proved themselves to be a people who were strong and capable of taking an active part in American society. Their prowess and patriotic fervor in the Civil War helped to diminish anti-Irish bigotry and discrimination.(14) The Irish fought bravely and proudly during all of the American wars, making up 38% of Washington's army and fighting under both Union and Confederate flags, (mostly for the Union however).(15) They proved themselves, not only in war, but also in politics. Many Irish . . . realized that politics would provide them with the potent vehicle for attaining influence and power. (16) Most Irish arrived favoring the Democratic Party because of the aristocratic oppression in their homeland. The Democratic Party was more supportive of immigrant and labor rights. Because of their numbers, they greatly contributed to the election of Thomas Jefferson in 1801.(17) The Irish began to recognize their influence in politics; after the Civil War, active political involvement among the Irish increased. The Irish began to insert themselves into the world of politics, especially in the cities of New York and Boston. They went to city council meetings, read up on their rights as American citizens and formed an Irish party under the Democratic umbrella. The Irish machine, or party, was an influential part of New York's politics, controlling for many years its Democratic headquarters, Tammany Hall. The Irish voted into offices because of their numbers and were able to remain in office because of their cohesion as a people.(18) There were many distinguished Irishmen who greatly encouraged Irish pride and involvement in politics. One of them, Daniel OConnell, founding father of Irish nationalism, helped to build modern liberal democracy and educated and mobilized the Irish Catholic masses.(19) As the Irish rose to power in politics, b...
