Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America

Hosted by James Webb, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Navy, Born Fighting (based on Webb's titular 2004 book) traces the emergence of the Scots-Irish over centuries, recounting their spirit of independence all the way from Scotland's 13th-century rebellion against the British to their important role in making America a sovereign nation. This two-part production explains how Scotland's cultural and political identity emerged after the country was cut off from Roman-occupied Britain by Hadrian's Wall in 122 A.D. As centuries passed, Scotland not only sought and fought for self-rule, but also forged a bond with Ireland, with whom it shared Celtic ties. Two-way migration and trade became commonplace, but when King James encouraged and supported the relocation of Protestant Scots to Ireland's largely Catholic Ulster, the stage was set for years of conflict and tragedy, as dispossession, violence, and reprisals between the two groups became the norm. The attempt by King Charles in the 17th century to impose a new church hierarchy on all Scots led to a massacre in 1641, and continuing repression motivated many Scots-Irish to migrate to the New World. The second half of Born Fighting focuses on the Scots-Irish influence on America's revolutionary spirit in the late-18th century, and on the new nation's military, government, and culture. Along the way, several descendants of early immigrants are highlighted, ranging from Andrew Jackson to Neil Armstrong. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)