GDG- Re: Defeat of AoP, Recognition by Britain

[mdblough at sprint.blackberry.net]

Tom-More than anything else, the whole CSA/UK thing demonstrates the dangers in undertaking a course of action which rests on a conclusion that another party has no choice as to how to  act or react. 

Regards,

Margaret      
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

-----Original Message-----
From: "Tom Ryan" <pennmardel at mchsi.com>

Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 09:36:23 
To:"GDG" <gettysburg at arthes.com>
Subject: RE: GDG- Re: Defeat of AoP, Recognition by Britain


Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:


On this issue, I think there is another aspect to be considered in addition
to those already mentioned.  The British aristocracy had a genuine affinity
for the leadership in the South.  Neither one had a great love for democracy
in all it entailed.  In addition, there was a desire in some quarters in
Britain to see the American democratic experiment fail.  They did not want
to see a ground up form of government taking over in Britain, thereby
replacing their favored top down version.

However, the British aristocracy met considerable opposition from working
class organizations in the industrial cities like Manchester.  These groups
were strongly anti-slavery, and lobbied their representatives not to
recognize the Confederate government.  There was a considerable
behind-the-scenes struggle for the mind of the British people, and this made
the leadership wary of taking such a rash action as formerly recognizing the
South.  At the same time, they continued to informally support the Southern
cause by supplying ships, guns, and other needs for the war effort.

It is interesting to see how effective former slaves from America, who
traveled to Britain, were in spreading propaganda against the South and in
opposition to diplomatic recognition.  These former slaves were welcomed,
especially among the working class groups, and given an opportunity to make
their case.

So I think it was not only British reluctance to get entangled in a war with
the United States or their concerns elsewhere in Europe.  The government
also had to consider the growing internal grassroots opposition to support
for and recognition of the Confederates.

Tom Ryan

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