The World Was Watching
On February 16th, the Civil War Forum of Metropolitan New York met at Draught Restaurant and was treated to a wonderful dinner, delightful fellowship and a superb presentation by David A. Smith, Senior Lecturer at Baylor University. The subject of the presentation was the American Civil War and Globalization. In his presentation, Mr. Smith noted most students of the Civil War are well versed in battles, generals, politics and social issues. However, the effects of the Civil War on the rest of the world are not always given proper consideration. In fact, the American Civil War had profound and lasting effects on the international economy as well as on balance of power.
During the American Civil War, the world was watching and trying to guard economic interests while still protecting military power. In considering this, Mr. Smith stressed the importance of the blockade of southern states, noting that 80% of cotton in Great Britain came from the South. Not only was this cotton cheap but it had been readily available. Both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis understood the importance of the blockade. Jefferson Davis hoped that the need for cotton would force Great Britain and France to support the Confederacy. However, this was unlikely since Great Britain had abolished slavery in 1833 and France had followed suit in 1848. Abraham Lincoln hoped the economic impact of the blockade would hasten the end of the war, while the issue of slavery would keep the European countries neutral. Lincoln also recognized the risk of losing Northern support by potentially abolishing slavery. Indeed, Lincoln was “walking a thin line.”
After the Battle of Antietam in September of 1862, Lincoln felt secure enough to proclaim the Emancipation Proclamation effective January 1863. These words are included in the Proclamation: “all persons held as slaves within…Confederate states are and henceforward shall be free.’ Here Mr. Smith noted Lincoln was signaling Europe that slavery in the South was over, and over forever. This was crucial in keeping Great Britain and France out of the war.
As the world dealt with the economic repercussions of the American Civil War, military consequences became evident as well. In March of 1862, the Battle of Hampton Roads between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (AKA Merrimac) quietly revolutionized naval warfare. Both ships were ironclad and powered by steam instead of sail. Further, the unique design of the Monitor which sat low in the water and fired from a revolving turret had an immediate impact on navies around the world. Prior to the Battle of Hampton Bays, the naval power of Great Britain was unquestioned. After that battle, the British navy was immediately outdated and the world witnessed a major shift in military strength and power. By the time the war drew to a close in 1865, the United States Navy was the largest in the world. This led to a revival of the Monroe Doctrine, with the United States the major force in the Americas.
When the Confederacy surrendered, the world was a different place. The economic and military strength of the United States had been clearly demonstrated and balance of power had shifted. Lincoln had known the world was watching. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln appealed to an international audience when he said, “This nation…shall not perish from the earth.” The “earth” took note. The power of the United States would in future be a major force in the world at large.
Thank you, Donald A. Smith for a wonderful presentation!!!