The Dynamiters

This book explores the first urban bombing campaign led by Irish nationalists in the 1880s, detailing their motivations and connections to global revolutionary movements.

In the 1880s, a faction of militant Irish nationalists based in New York initiated a groundbreaking bombing campaign in Britain, targeting significant sites like the House of Commons. The Dynamiters delves into the history of these activists, known as 'dynamiters,' and examines the broader context of political violence that permeated Europe, the United States, and the British Empire during this tumultuous period. This narrative not only chronicles the events but also explores the motivations and ideologies that fueled such drastic actions.

The book investigates the origins and development of the first urban bombing campaign, where homemade bombs were used against symbolic public buildings in Britain. By employing a transnational approach, The Dynamiters highlights the connections and parallels between these Irish nationalists and other revolutionary groups of the time. It shows how these movements interacted with the broader currents of revolution, war, and politics, revealing a complex web of influence and shared ideologies.

Through the life stories of individual dynamiters, the book reconstructs their conceptual and ethical views on violence. It offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of revolutionary organizations and the various political, social, and cultural factors that drive people to either support or condemn acts of political violence. In doing so, The Dynamiters provides a comprehensive understanding of a pivotal moment in the history of revolutionary action.