In Embracing Emancipation: A Transatlantic History of Irish Americans, Slavery, and the American Union, Delahanty uncovers the multifaceted roles played by Irish Americans both in perpetuating slavery and fighting for emancipation. From laborers in the South to political activists in the North, Irish Americans occupied diverse positions within the social and political landscape of the time. Their experiences, Delahanty argues, provide crucial insights into the complexities of American nationalism, citizenship, and the pursuit of liberty. His book challenges conventional narratives of the Civil War era that emphasize the contradiction that Irish Americans, who claimed to have been oppressed in Ireland, so vehemently opposed the antislavery movement in the United States.
Ian Delahanty is a historian specializing in the transatlantic connections between Ireland and America during the 19th century. He holds a Ph.D. in American History from Boston College, where his research focused on the intersections of Irish American identity, slavery, and the American Union. Delahanty’s academic journey has been marked by a deep exploration of how Irish Americans navigated the complex landscapes of race, freedom, and national allegiance during a pivotal period in American history.