International situation during the war Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was the South’s initial cotton policy and why was it a strategic mistake?
The South self-imposed a cotton embargo, meaning that they withheld cotton when they could have used it to buy war supplies
Why was diplomatic recognition by foreign powers crucial for the Confederacy?
Status would change from rebels to a sovereign country
Could lead to a negotiated settlement and independence
Without recognition, Southern property could be confiscated
When did Britain declare neutrality in the Civil War?
May 1861
What did recognising the South as ‘belligerents’ vs a sovereign state mean?
Recognition as ‘belligerents’ acknowledged them as a fighting force but did not grant them the legal status or diplomatic rights of a sovereign state
What was the Trent Affair?
An incident in Nov 1861 when the US Navy seized Southern envoys from a British ship, nearly causing conflict before Lincoln backed down
Why didn’t the South’s cotton embargo immediately pressure European powers to support the South?
Europe had large cotton surpluses so shortages didn’t become apparent until 1862.
By 1862, alternative cotton sources from India and Egypt had emerged
What Northern exports were more important to Europe than Southern cotton?
Corn (European crop failures 1860), woollen goods and engineering products
How did the Emancipation Proclamation affect international attitudes toward the Confederacy?
Made more prominent the moral issue of slavery and made it harder for Britain and France (who had abolished slavery) to recognise the South due to public opposition
Why was Britain reluctant to antagonise the Union government?
Britain didn’t see an advantage in a war with the USA- would require strengthening the Canadian border
Couldn’t criticise Union blockade because it was a standard British practice
How did Confederate military fortunes affect the likelihood of foreign recognition?
Confederate defeats in 1863 made European powers reluctant to back the losing side
