The Politics of the Civil War

1. Main Idea • Why it Matters Now The Politics of the Civil War The Proclamation was the first step towards improving the status of African Americans

2. Britain Remains Neutral • The Trent Affair – • Britain wanted to stay neutral – they were an abolitionist country, but cotton was an essential import

3. Slavery Becomes the Focus Lincoln strongly opposed slavery, but was steadfast in his belief that the purpose of the war was to save the Union Lincoln decided that just as Union armies seized Confederate supplies, emancipating Southern slaves provided a strategic benefit

4. Proclaiming Emancipation • Emancipation Proclamation - • Slaves did not immediately become free, only applied to slaves in the Confederacy, not the Union border states • Free blacks now permitted to join the Union army

5. Reactions to the Proclamation • Emancipation had little immediate effect, but had immense symbolic importance • Redefined war as a crusade to end slavery • Britain applauded Lincoln for erasing that foul blot on civilization • Democrats disapproved, claiming it would prolong war and antagonize the South • Davis and Confederacy were outraged, becoming more determined then ever to preserve their slave-holding society

6. Political Problems • Both Lincoln and Davis dealt with dissenters forcefully using their executive powers • Both suspended habeas corpus, thus expanding Presidential powers in the name of national security • Lincoln seized telegraph offices to ensure no spying • Habeas Corpus – • Copperhead – • Clement Vallandigham –

7. Draft Riots in New York • Conscription – • Union Draft mandated all able bodied men between 20-45 • Confederate draft 18-35 • Draft Riots – • Poor white workers and immigrants did want the competition for jobs that free slaves would create • Workers took out frustrations against African Americans