The Role of England and France in the American Civil War: Myth or Reality?

The American Civil War is one of the most significant events in U.S. history, and its impact was felt not just within the borders of the United States but also internationally. This period saw several nations taking sides, and one of the most notable was the Confederacy. England and France, two major powers of their time, played a pivotal role. However, the extent of their involvement remains a subject of debate, with many drawing parallels to other fictionalized accounts, such as the TV series 'Manhunt.' Was their support accurate, and if so, why?

Why England and France Supported the Confederacy

Both England and France recognized the Confederate States of America (CSA) as a legal belligerent entity, and they provided supplies to the CSA during the conflict. This was primarily driven by a desire to avoid a more immediate and contentious issue, the Italian War, which was consuming more of Europe's attention. However, their support extended beyond just recognition.

The economic interests of both countries, particularly their cotton industries, played a significant role in their decision to support the Confederacy. In England, many local areas were heavily dependent on the cotton trade, and the poorly paid, ill-treated workers protested by refusing to use cotton produced by slave labor. This caused considerable hardship, as it led to a near-starvation condition among the population.

In France, a French merchant bank proposed the idea of using cotton as a-backed bond, which would finance the Confederacy. This move was partially motivated by the banks themselves, such as those controlled by the Rothschilds, who outright rejected the Confederate cause. The conflict rumbled on, with little direct action from the French government until the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln in 1863.

Neutral Stance and Controversies

Officially, both England and France maintained a neutral stance throughout the war. However, tensions arose when the Union Navy seized a British ship headed to the Confederacy. The incident nearly led to a war, but Lincoln's pragmatic approach, "one war at a time," and subsequent compensation for the British delighted the British public.

The British government, however, turned a blind eye when American warnings about the Confederacy's use of British ports to build privateer ships were ignored. This lack of action indicated a certain level of tacit support for the Confederate cause. Additionally, it was the French government that facilitated the issuance of cotton-backed bonds, a crucial financial lifeline for the Confederacy.

Recognition and the Mental Risk

As the situation evolved, the British and French governments found themselves in a difficult position. The recognition of the Confederacy could have drawn direct accusations that their governments were indirectly supporting slavery, which had been outlawed in both empires for over two decades. Despite lobbying efforts by Confederate diplomats, neither nation was willing to risk America's ire by openly backing the Confederacy.

By the time Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the European powers saw that recognizing the Confederacy would only exacerbate the situation. They hoped that the South might score a significant military victory that would justify recognition but, sadly, this never happened. The European powers were wary of the potential consequences, and they knew that their own economic and political interests would be better served by maintaining the Union.

Conclusion

The role of England and France in the American Civil War is a complex and often misrepresented issue. While they provided crucial support to the Confederacy in various forms, their motivations and actions were driven by a combination of economic interests and strategic considerations. The TV series 'Manhunt' may have dramatized certain aspects, but the historical context provides a more nuanced understanding of their involvement.