Southerners and the Confederacy: Motivations Beyond Slavery

The Confederate states seceded from the Union in 1860-1861 with the primary goal of maintaining their institution of slavery. Historically, this view has been widely accepted. However, it is also crucial to look beyond this and understand other perspectives that affected the decision-making of those who joined the Confederacy. This article explores these nuances, highlighting the complex motivations of southern states and individuals involved in the Civil War.

The Confederate States' Motivation for Secession

According to historical records, the 11 states that formed the Confederacy did so primarily to protect and maintain their institution of slavery. In their declarations of secession, the states articulated their reasons, often citing states' rights but also making clear that the central issue was slavery. Georgia, for example, listed "the preservation of the Institution of Slavery" as one of its core reasons for seceding.

Secession Ordinances and Declarations

Secession ordinances and declarations from several states explicitly mentioned the preservation of slavery. Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware, which did not secede but fought for the Union, had different reasons. They stated that their secession was due to the perceived threat to their sovereignty and economic interests, not the maintenance of slavery.

Individual Perspectives: Robert E. Lee

Not all southerners shared the same motivations. For instance, Confederate General Robert E. Lee is often discussed in this context. Lee, a slaveholder himself and a general in the Union Army before the war, decided to lead the Confederate Army. His primary motivation was his loyalty to Virginia, his home state. This decision has been scrutinized and criticized, particularly for the alleged hypocrisy of a man who saw the injustice of slavery but still led the Confederate Army.

Robert E. Lee's Decision

Robert E. Lee is often accused of hypocrisy because he had previously criticized slavery. Nevertheless, his primary loyalty was to his state, Virginia. His decision to lead the Confederate Army has been seen as complex, blending personal and political loyalties. This perspective may be baffling to many modern-day Americans, but it reflects the complexities of that historical period.

Lincoln and the Corwin Amendment

Another perspective is the offer made by Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States, through the Corwin Amendment. This amendment aimed to prevent any future amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery in states where it already existed. Lincoln hoped this would help the South remain in the Union by addressing their primary concern. However, the amendment was not ratified, and the South continued to secede.

Lincoln's Strategy and Its Outcome

Lincoln's strategy was to address the South's primary issue and possibly align states like Kentucky and Missouri with the Union. However, the South's determination to protect slavery and maintain their autonomy ultimately led to a broader conflict. The first inaugural address of Lincoln and the resolution of the US Congress in 1861 both acknowledged the need to preserve the Union and the Constitution.

Congressional Resolution in 1861

On July 25, 1861, the US Congress stated that the war was 'not waged on our part in any spirit of oppression or for any purposes of conquest' but to defend and maintain the Constitution and preserve the Union, with the rights of the several states unimpaired. This underscores the perceived purpose of the war from a Union perspective. By December 1861, this stance changed significantly, reflecting the harsh realities of the conflict.

Conclusion

The motivations of southern states and individuals during the Civil War were multifaceted. While slavery was the primary concern for those who formed the Confederacy, it is also important to recognize the personal and state loyalties that influenced other figures like Robert E. Lee. Understanding these complexities helps to paint a more complete picture of the Civil War and the factors that led to it.