Northern diplomacy

Question 1

topic sentence

Answer 1

Some historians such as James McPherson argue that Northern diplomacy was critical in ensuring European neutrality.

Question 2

evidence - trent affair
+ counter analysis

Answer 2

For example, events such as the Trent Affair, 8th November 1861, proved the superiority of Northern diplomacy over Souther diplomacy. The Trent was a British ship used to transport new Confederate ministers, James Manson and John Slidell to Britain, in an attempt for them to secure diplomatic recognition and to gain support from France and Britian during the American Civil War. However, the ship was seized by Union Captain Charles Wilkes who arrested Slidell and Manson and let the Trent go. Initially, this caused tension between the Union and Britain because it was clear that Wilkes’ actions went against international maritime law. Indeed, there was a risk of war between Britain and the Union, British Prime Minister Palmerston cabinet therefore voted to send Washington an ultimatum demanding an apology and the release of the Confederate diplomats. This evidence could be used to suggest that Northern diplomacy was not critical in ensuring European neutrality because Wikes’ actions led to British outrage, prompting them to be more inclined to offer support to the Confederacy as they resented the Union for ignoring the international maritime law.

Question 3

analysis

Answer 3

However, Lincoln made it clear that he wanted to avoid war, saying “one war at a time”, and therefore, he admitted that Wilkes had acted illegally and allowed Mason and Slidell to be let go. This highlights how Northern diplomatic skill was critical in ensuring European neutrality because Lincolns peaceful resolution to the issue strengthen Anglo-American relations as the Union’s willingness to release the Confederate envoys, showed a respect for British neutrality and international norms. Lincoln’s ability to undo Wilkes’ actions highlighted how his actions were not a reflection of the Union, which convinced Britain not to resent the North.

Question 4

evaluation

Answer 4

To evaluate, Northern diplomatic skill was critical in ensuring European neutrality during the American Civil War as Lincolns actions proved that the Union were only interested in fighting a war against the Confederacy and wanted their relations between foregin powers to remain prominent. Therefore, James McPherson argues, “the afterglow of this settlement left Anglo-American relations in better shape than before the crisis”, highlighting how Lincolns resolutions following the Trent Affair secured a positive relationship between Britan and the Union.