Why Did the British Wish for the Confederacy’s Victory in the American Civil War?

The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a significant conflict that not only involved the Union and the Confederacy but also drew attention from international powers. Among these, the British Empire played a complex and intriguing role, particularly regarding their support for the Confederate States of America. This article explores the reasons behind the British desire for Confederate victory and the subsequent shifts in their stance over the course of the war.

Economic Reasons and Initial Support for the South

Initially, the British favored the Confederacy due to economic factors. The British saw a similarity between the American colonies’ grievances against British rule and those of the South against the Union. The Union Navy's practice of seizing Confederate diplomats from British ships alarmed the British, leading them to issue a threat of war to protect their interests. America’s policy on international trade and naval operations exacerbated tensions, but the Union's return of Confederate prisoners of war halted the British from declaring war.

The Emancipation Proclamation and the Shift in British Stance

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 completely altered the situation. This executive order declared that all slaves in the rebel states would be freed, which had significant implications for British support. As a member of the treaty that made slavery illegal, Britain could not be seen as supporting a nation that still held slaves. Moreover, the Emancipation Proclamation transformed the war from one about states' rights to one about the abolition of slavery.

Lincoln’s intention behind the Proclamation was multifaceted. Firstly, he hoped that newly freed slaves would arm themselves and create chaos in the Confederacy, which would weaken morale and increase the risk of uprising. Secondly, he aimed to maintain the Union by appealing to the moral high ground. However, these intentions had unintended consequences. The Proclamation failed to free slaves in certain border states that remained loyal to the Union, thereby creating divisions and misunderstandings.

Political and Economic Ties

The British aristocracy, particularly the House of Lords, the Prime Minister, and the wealthy in general, generally supported the Confederacy due to economic and cultural ties. The Southern States were founded by British aristocrats who sought to recreate their vision of a feudal paradise. Many settlers of Virginia and the Carolinas were former British nobles who had lost estates during the English Civil War. To alleviate their economic hardships, King Charles II granted them large land grants and manipulated the colonial laws to ensure their dominance over political and social affairs. They saw the Confederacy as a means to reclaim their former status.

Despite this, the lower class in the Southern States supported the North. This shift was not only due to the socio-economic implications but also due to various political factors. Leading figures in the British Foreign Service, as well as the Crown Prince and Royal Family, also encouraged support for the Union. Politically, it became impossible for Britain to support a state that was founded on the principles of both slavery and the expansion of the African slave trade, which was contrary to the treaty of 1840.

Strategic Considerations and British Politicians

While the British aristocracy and the upper class supported the Confederacy, British politicians recognized the strategic importance of staying neutral. Lincoln, a astute political figure, understood the potential fallout of actively supporting a nation with slavery. Despite initial support for the South, his administration decided to shift focus to the issue of slavery. This decision, while politically advantageous and morally commendable, marked a turning point in the war's narrative and affected British outlooks.

Lincoln’s words in his first inaugural address aimed to reassure the South and ease the tensions between the two sides. However, the Emancipation Proclamation and subsequent military actions transformed the war, making it a fight for freedom and equality, which the British could no longer support.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the British Empire’s support for the Confederacy was driven by a combination of economic, cultural, and strategic factors. However, the complexities of the war, particularly the Emancipation Proclamation, led to a shift in British support towards the Union. This shift not only reflected the changing political and moral landscapes of the time but also had long-lasting implications for international relations and the global fight against slavery.