Confederacy

Definition

The Confederacy refers to the collection of 11 Southern states that seceded from the United States during the Civil War, forming a separate government that existed from 1861 to 1865. This breakaway group sought to maintain slavery and resist federal authority, believing their rights as states were being infringed upon. The Confederacy fought against the Union in a conflict that would ultimately decide the fate of the nation and the institution of slavery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Confederacy was formed by 11 Southern states including Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina, who seceded after Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860.
2. The Confederacy established its own constitution which enshrined the right to own slaves and emphasized states' rights.
3. Key battles fought by the Confederacy include Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg, with varying degrees of success.
4. Despite initial victories, the Confederacy struggled with resource shortages and eventually faced overwhelming opposition from Union forces.
5. The Confederacy was ultimately dissolved in 1865 after General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, marking the end of the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the Confederacy reflect the political and social climate of the time?
  • The formation of the Confederacy was a direct response to growing tensions over issues like states' rights and slavery. Southern states felt increasingly threatened by the federal government's stance on slavery, especially after Lincoln's election. The decision to secede was fueled by a desire to protect their agricultural economy and way of life, which relied heavily on slave labor. This highlighted a deep divide in American society regarding the values and future direction of the country.
• Analyze the leadership of Jefferson Davis and its impact on the effectiveness of the Confederate government.
  • Jefferson Davis's leadership style was characterized by his military background and commitment to Confederate ideals. However, his insistence on centralized control often conflicted with the Confederacy’s emphasis on states' rights. This tension led to difficulties in coordinating military strategies and resources among different states. His presidency faced criticism for lacking strong diplomatic relations and failing to secure necessary foreign support, which ultimately weakened the Confederate war effort.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Confederate defeat in relation to Reconstruction policies that followed.
  • The defeat of the Confederacy had profound implications for Reconstruction policies. With the end of Confederate governance, there was a need to reintegrate Southern states into the Union while addressing issues related to freed slaves. The Reconstruction era saw efforts to establish civil rights for African Americans but also faced resistance from Southern whites who sought to maintain pre-war power dynamics. The struggle over these policies laid the groundwork for ongoing racial tensions and political struggles that would last for decades.

Related terms

Secession: The act of withdrawing formally from a federation or body, particularly in reference to the Southern states leaving the Union.

Jefferson Davis: The President of the Confederate States who served from 1861 to 1865, leading the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Battle of Gettysburg: A pivotal battle in 1863 that marked a turning point in the Civil War, where Confederate forces were defeated, leading to significant losses for the South.