Most history books make a joke of it, but Canada faced a serious military threat in the 1860s - and came under multiple attacks by military forces based in the United States. It took the combined effort of British troops in Canada and the Canadian militia - plus some good luck - to repel the invaders and end the threat. The experience helped push Confederation to fruition in 1867.

Cheryl MacDonald offers a fast-paced account of these events. Irish-Americans who had fought in the US Civil War emerged from that war with new military skills. There was widespread unemployment. Many Irish immigrants were fervent supporters of the Irish independence movement. Irish leaders saw an opportunity to cause problems for the hated British authorities - and to bargain for Irish independence - by using their new military prowess to attack Britain's North American colonies.

• Author: Cheryl MacDonald
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches
• Publisher: Lorimer