The Confederate States of America: Formation, War, and Legacy

Origins (1860–1861)

Triggered by Lincoln's election, South Carolina seceded Dec 20, 1860, followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas. In February 1861, delegates met in Montgomery, Alabama, drafted a constitution protecting slavery and states' rights, and elected Jefferson Davis president. Four more states (Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina) joined after Fort Sumter.

Government & Economy

• Mirrored U.S. structure: President, bicameral Congress, Supreme Court.
• Economy: Agrarian, cotton-dependent. Small industrial base (Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond).
• Finance: Printed own currency (hyperinflation), issued bonds, sought European loans.

Civil War (1861–1865)

Fought to preserve slavery and state sovereignty. Key phases: early Confederate victories (First Bull Run, Seven Days, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville); turning point at Gettysburg/Vicksburg (July 1863); Grant's 1864 Overland Campaign; Sherman's March; Lee's surrender at Appomattox (April 9, 1865); Davis captured May 10.

Contested Legacy

Lost Cause mythology (postwar) framed CSA as noble defense of constitutional liberty. Modern scholarship emphasizes slavery as central cause. Symbols (flag, monuments) remain flashpoints in debates over race, memory, and public space.