The Myth of Union-Centric Victory: Revisiting the American Civil War

The question of what would have happened if the Union and Confederacy had joined together is inherently flawed. The Union, or the United States of America (USA), was already the 'America' in question, while the Confederacy was a breakaway group of southern states with a deeply entrenched slave economy. The Confederacy did not represent a separate 'America' to join; rather, it was a rebellion against the established Union.

Understanding the Conflict

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a conflict between the Union (the northern states and the federal government) and the Confederacy (the southern states). The Confederacy declared its independence from the Union, citing states' rights and the protection of slavery as primary reasons. The Union saw the Confederates as a rebellion and demanded unconditional surrender.

Reconstruction: A Failed Promise

Following the Union's victory, the period known as Reconstruction began. The former Confederate states were required to rejoin the Union, a process that took several years. During this time, the Union forces aimed to rebuild and reconstruct the South, integrating former Confederate states back into the United States. However, the goals of this reconstruction were often unfulfilled, and many former Confederates continued to resist the changes imposed by the Union.

The Legacy of the Confederacy

The myth of a Union-centric victory is often perpetuated by a selective reading of history. Many proponents of this view claim that the Union won because it ended slavery. However, the reality is more complex. The forty acres and a mule promised to freed slaves never materialized, and many former slaves continued to struggle under oppressive conditions. Slavery did not end until almost 1909, well over four decades after the end of the Civil War.

The Assassination of Lincoln and Its Impact

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, just a few days after the fall of Richmond, Virginia, marked a significant event in the war's aftermath. Lincoln's death dealt a severe blow to the Union's efforts to reconstruct and integrate the South. With Lincoln's vision of a 'new birth of freedom' and reconciliation, the Union lost a leader dedicated to ensuring a just and equitable outcome for all Americans.

Conclusion: A Call for Re-evaluation

The victory of the Union in the American Civil War is often celebrated, but it is essential to re-evaluate this narrative. The war was not a mere struggle against slavery, but a complex conflict with deep-seated sociopolitical issues. The legacy of the Confederacy, the challenges of Reconstruction, and the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination all underscore the need to critically examine the historiography of this critical period in American history.

It is crucial to recognize the myth of a conclusive, pro-slavery defeat by the Confederacy. Instead, the war was a struggle where both sides had their victories and failures. The Union did not fully succeed in its aims, and the Confederacy's legacy of resistance and resilience continues to impact American society today.

References:

Best, Peter. Abraham Lincoln: A Life. Da Capo Press, 2005. Wiley, Bell I. The Life of John Wilkes Booth. Macmillan, 1937. Holmes Jr., Edwin M. The Soldier’s Faith in the Civil War. University of North Carolina Press, 2003.