The Confederacy and Its Challenges to Achieve Victory in the Civil War
The question of when the Confederacy was closest to achieving victory is often debated among historians. While some point to key battles and the actions of southern leaders, the deeper context and ideological choices play a significant role in understanding the eventual trajectory of the Confederacy.
The South Carolina Declaration of Causes of Secession
The South Carolina declaration of causes of secession, adopted in December 1860, laid the ideological groundwork for the Confederacy. The document asserts that each state was a sovereign nation-state, independent of the federal union. This stance, rather than outright rebellion or revolution, was the South's argument to retain its status. The key statement, “This immediate duty they (the Northern states) will pervert to the purposes of oppression; their (the South's) loyalty and fidelity to the government will be held by them as evincing a mistaken sense of patriotic duty, amounting to treason.” underscores the South's belief in their right to secede without being labelled as traitors.
Key Milestones and Turning Points
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was a crucial turning point. However, the South's decision to secede and the subsequent events set in motion a series of challenges that ultimately led to failure.
The Earlys Raid on Washington
The Early's Raid on Washington in July 1864 was a significant but ultimately failed attempt by Confederate forces to capture the federal capital. This action, while inauspicious, demonstrated the Confederate army's strategic capabilities and determination to push back against Union forces. It was one of the last major Southern offensives in the war but did not bring the desired results.
The Fall of Atlanta and Public Opinion
The fall of Atlanta in September 1864 was a pivotal moment in the Civil War. The loss of Atlanta significantly impacted Northern public opinion, as it was a major industrial center and a critical supply point. By 1864, Northern voters were weary of the prolonged conflict. The loss of Atlanta made it evident that the war was no longer about merely reclaiming property but establishing Southern independence. Without a game-changing victory, the North was likely to elect a new president, and General George McClellan, who had previously expressed a willingness to meet Southern terms, became a viable alternative to President Lincoln. This shift in focus from a war against rebellion to a conflict for independence undermined the Southern efforts to secure their independence.
Internal Struggles and External Pressures
Even before secession, the South had a distinct advantage in Congress. They were able to get the policies they wanted without significant opposition. However, after the firing on Fort Sumter, which the South claimed was an act of aggression by the North, the war officially began. This action solidified the Union stance and unified the North under a common goal. The South lost this strategic advantage as the war progressed.
The Indiana Legislature and the Federal Aid
A significant internal challenge for the Confederacy occurred when the Indiana legislature threatened to cut off funding for the war. Governor Oliver P. Morton had to appeal to the federal government for funds, highlighting the recognition of the necessity of federal support. This moment signifies the gradual erosion of state control and autonomy within the Confederacy, as it became increasingly reliant on federal control and support.
The period leading up to and including the Indiana episode marked the beginning of a new phase in American history where the federal government's role became more pronounced. This shift underscored the growing influence of the federal system over state sovereignty.
Throughout the Civil War, the South faced numerous challenges, including ideological missteps, external pressures, and a shifting public opinion that ultimately contributed to their inability to achieve victory. The Confederate Army's strategies and battles, such as the Early's Raid on Washington and the critical loss of Atlanta, highlight the complexities of the conflict but did not secure the desired outcomes for the Confederacy.