Recall December 1991, when the Soviet Union fragmented into multiple nations. Countries like Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and others emerged. However, this wasn’t the first time a great superpower had disintegrated. About 130 years earlier, the world’s oldest democracy, America, underwent a similar crisis.
USA History: The Civil War, America’s Split, and the Union’s Reunification
America Was a Union of 34 States
At that time, the United States consisted of 34 states, not 50. In 1861, it was split into two countries: the United States of America (USA) and the Confederate States of America (CSA). The USA, as we know it today, shrunk to less than one-quarter of its size after the split.
For nearly five years, the division persisted, accompanied by intense warfare between the two regions. Although commonly referred to as a “civil war,” it was, in essence, a conflict between two ideologically opposed nations.
CSA Declared Independence but Was Not Recognized
The Confederate States of America (CSA) declared itself an independent country with its own flag, capital, and president. However, the CSA was never recognized by the USA or the global community.
States in the CSA (as of 1861):
South Carolina
Mississippi
Florida
Alabama
Georgia
Louisiana
Arkansas
North Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Texas
Despite the lack of official recognition, some countries, including businesses in Britain and France, engaged in trade with the CSA, supplying raw materials and ships.
Conflict with Mexico
The roots of the Civil War lie partly in the territorial conflicts between 1846 and 1848. At the time, territories like California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and parts of Colorado were under Mexico’s control. Some areas were entirely under Mexican sovereignty, while others were partially governed.
In 1846, the USA initiated the Mexican-American War, which lasted for two years. The conflict ended in 1848 with a treaty through which Mexico ceded 55% of its territory to the United States in exchange for $15 million. This expansion greatly increased U.S. territory but also heightened internal tensions.
Slavery: The Core Issue
Two contentious issues dominated American society at the time: the interpretation of the Constitution and slavery. One faction sought to abolish slavery, while the other wanted to preserve it. Economic, social, and political disagreements fueled the divide.
When Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln was elected president, he vowed to abolish slavery. In February 1861, representatives from six southern states met in Montgomery, Alabama, and formally established the Confederate States of America.
Jefferson Davis Becomes CSA President
Richmond, Virginia, was chosen as the CSA’s capital, and Jefferson Davis of Mississippi became its president. Soon after, Texas also joined the CSA, making a total of seven founding states. Gradually, 13 states in total became part of the Confederacy.
Civil War and Its End
The Civil War raged for nearly five years. During this time, Jefferson Davis remained the president of the CSA. The USA flag continued to feature 34 stars, representing the 34 states in the Union, though 11 states were under the CSA’s control.
When the war ended, the USA reclaimed all 11 Confederate states, and the Union was restored.
Source:
Usa gov
https://www.usa.gov/about-the-us
https://www.britannica.com
https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States
library of congress
https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/
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