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How could men such as Robert E. Lee say they opposed slavery yet fight for the South?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
: The war was as much about State Rights as about slavery. : For men like Robert E. Lee the case was not so much the political question of whether to support or oppose slavery or whether to support or oppose secession but a case of duty to their country or duty to their state. It was the states that created the Union. Additionally, to be fair, one must place their thoughts as if they were raised and lived in the USA of 1860. Not easy to do.
For Robert E. Lee his list of duties ran in this order. Duty to Family, duty to Virginia, duty the Union.
When Virginia left the Union for Lee, who thought himself first and foremost a Virginian, there was no question about whether or not he would fight for or against Virgina. He would always choose Virginia first. The question was would Virginia remain neutral or join the Confederacy? Either way Lee would always follow Virginia.
Joseph E. Johnston was the same. Joe didn't support slavery, never owned a slave (though his father and brothers did), was friends with a slave in his youth but he to thought of himself as a Virginian first and an American second.
I bring him up for the reason that a conversation between his wife Lydia and General in Chief of the United States Winfield Scott shows the mind of many Southern officers in the United States Army.
"Get him to stay with us" Scott said to her. "We will never disturb him in any way."
"My husband cannot stay in an army which is about to invade his native country" she replied
"Then let him leave our army," Scott said. "but do not let him join theirs."
"This is all very fine." she said. "but how is Joe Johnston to live? He has no private fortune. And no profession, or no profession but that of arms."
To this Scott had not answer.
One of Winfield's four options presented to President Lincoln was to "let our sisters go". He expressed great fear for the people of the South in event of a war.
: I agree. Robert E. Lee did not fight for the south because of slavery, but because he was too loyal to his family, friends, and home state to fight against them.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
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Did Robert E. Lee dislike the north or the south?
Robert E. Lee disapproved of slavery and secession, the only reason he joined the South is because his home ,Virginia seceded along with the other Southern states. He disliked the South for seceding and slavery, but he could not betray his people. He didn't disliked the North, but he did not like how the U.S. government was handling the situation
What is the cause of the Civil War?
There are many causes to the civil war one was slavery becasue the south wanted to cede from the union so that they could have slavery.
Was Robert E. Lee Against or with slavery?
Robert E. Lee thought that it wasn't right, but he was still with the Confederates. This was because he didn't want anything to happen to his precious Virginia. So He wasn't that bad of a guy just fought for the wrong team
How did Wilmot Proviso help slavery?
It did that. The issue could not be ducked by a Congressman. All had to vote in favor of, or opposed to slavery.
Why was the question of whether to allow slavery in the territories of the US such an important issue for the northerners and southerners?
The issue of slavery was important to northerners because that meant they could catch runaway laves and they could get a reward for it. it was also important for the southerners because that meant that the money they spent on them was a partial waste.
What senator opposed clay's plan believing that the union could be saved only by protecting the slavery?
John Caldwell Calhoun, senator of the South Carolina.
Did Robert E. Lee dislike the north or the south?
Robert E. Lee disapproved of slavery and secession, the only reason he joined the South is because his home ,Virginia seceded along with the other Southern states. He disliked the South for seceding and slavery, but he could not betray his people. He didn't disliked the North, but he did not like how the U.S. government was handling the situation
What could most northerners be described as by 1850?
opposed to slavery but also hostile to immediate abolitionists
What is the conflict of North vs South Slavery?
North was against slavery, and south wanted more slavery. south wanted more slavery so they could work on the cotton fields. if more people work on cotton fields the south would have more money.
Why did the south fight for slavery?
The south was afraid that without slavery their economy would die. They were also afraid that the African Americans could out weigh them.
Could the south have survived if they had freed the slaves?
The south is still there even though there is no slavery.
Did the surrender of the Confederacy show the world the south dissaprove of slavery?
No. The surrender of the Confederacy showed that the Union army and navy could conquer the south. It showed that the Union forces could make the South abandon slavery. The South had no choice in the matter.
What is the cause of the Civil War?
There are many causes to the civil war one was slavery becasue the south wanted to cede from the union so that they could have slavery.
Was Robert E. Lee Against or with slavery?
Robert E. Lee thought that it wasn't right, but he was still with the Confederates. This was because he didn't want anything to happen to his precious Virginia. So He wasn't that bad of a guy just fought for the wrong team
Who believed that if slavery stayed in the south it could be tolerated?
Stephen Douglas.
Why did the South feel like they could secede?
The South was concerned how their way of life would be if Lincoln ended slavery. They couldn't imagine a society without slavery
How did Wilmot Proviso help slavery?
It did that. The issue could not be ducked by a Congressman. All had to vote in favor of, or opposed to slavery.
