Why Do Some People Claim That Confederate Soldiers Were Fighting to Preserve Slavery? Most of Them Didn't Own Any Slaves. They Actually Fought for Their States in Most Cases.

Decades of revisionist history and misinformation have obscured the true motives of Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War. Historians and scholars have long debated and analyzed various factors that influenced Confederate troops, from economic struggles to states' rights. One common misconception is that all Confederate soldiers fought to preserve slavery. While it is true that many people of the time believed in the economic and social benefits of slavery, the fact remains that most Confederate soldiers did not own slaves and were primarily motivated by defense of their states.

Secession and Preservation of Slavery

Secession was a key factor in the lead-up to the Civil War. Every secessionist state that declared independence from the Union cited the preservation of slavery as the primary reason for their actions. Lincoln's debates, his inaugural address, and President Davis' farewell to the Senate, among other documents, provide critical insight into the political and social contexts of the era.

In his inaugural address, Lincoln acknowledged the divisive issue of slavery but maintained that he had no intention of interfering with it where it already existed. The Corwin Amendment, proposed by Republicans, aimed to protect slavery from federal abolition. This detail, along with the Crittenden-Johnson Declaration of July 1861, which specified that Lincoln's war was not being waged to end slavery, paints a clear picture of the perception and reality of the conflict. The South seceded primarily for reasons beyond just preserving slavery.

Understanding the Southern Economy and Slavery

Slavery played a crucial economic role in the South, especially in agriculture, particularly the production of cotton and other cash crops. The economic structure of the South was heavily dependent on slave labor, and there was a fear that northern intervention could disrupt this system. Plantation owners, who did not always own slaves themselves but profited from them, financed the war through loans and subsidies. They used the labor of their slaves for fighting, creating a unique labor market for both the slaves and the Confederate states.

Moreover, the secession declarations of several states do not mention slavery as a primary issue, instead highlighting economic and constitutional violations. For example, the secession of Virginia noted that the slaves there were "worth approximately four billion dollars," reflecting the financial significance of slavery to the Southern economy. Northern banks also held slaves as collateral, adding another layer to the economic interdependence created by the institution of slavery.

The Reality of Confederate Motivations

Young privates fighting in the Civil War were not policymakers but pawns in a larger conflict. They fought for their states as part of the broad social and cultural context of the era. The poor often served the rich, fighting for causes and ideals that were often distant from their personal realities. The Confederate soldiers, predominantly from poor farming backgrounds and unemployed farm hands, were paid by planters to fight for their states, not for the preservation of slavery per se.

Airbrushed history portrays the Confederates as ideologically motivated soldiers fighting to preserve their way of life, including slavery. However, a thorough examination of the historical documents and evidence suggests that their motivations were more pragmatic, driven by a mix of economic fears, regional pride, and a belief in states' rights, rather than a steadfast commitment to the institution of slavery.

Conclusion

The complex narrative surrounding the motivations of Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War requires careful reading and analysis. While some individuals undoubtedly believed in preserving slavery, the vast majority of common soldiers fought for their states. Their institutional and economic dependencies often overshadowed personal views on slavery. It is essential to acknowledge and understand the historical context and the genuine motivations of those who participated in the war.

Understanding these historical truths is crucial for truly grasping the complexities and motivations behind the American Civil War, ensuring a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of this significant chapter in United States history.