Why was confederation necessary?

Answer 1

A confederation allows for a loose alliance of autonomous states in coordinating external policy, but still allows for a large degree of freedom in internal matters. Confederations are quite hard to maintain over the long term, usually either devolving into independent states or consolidating under federalism. The reason to choose a confederation, though is if various different states or statelets know that they must unite against a common foe, but would rather not be governed by their neighbors either.

It was for these reasons that Switzerland has organized as a confederation. This was also the reason that the United States was governed as confederation from 1781-1789, before consolidating under a federal constitution.

Answer 2

If we are talking about the birth of our nation, there were many reasons to desire a Confederation. When the country was first founded an the Articals of Confederation was approved as the first form of government. This was desirable at the time because the former Colonies feared that a strong central government would bring with it tyranny. The memories of the American Revolution remained vivid in the minds of Americans. At the time, former Colonies had competant local and "state" governments. There weren't large governmental programs or needs. Thus, States felt that a small and weak central government could provide better results. This ultimately led to problems because each state could impose tariffs on trade between states. In addition, the Confederation could not raise taxes at the federal level. This proved particularly bad because the American Revolution left America will a large debt. Also, the need to establish an American military (since Britain no longer served as America's protector) meant that the conscription of an Army and building of a Navy necessitated funding.

If we are talking about the Confederate States of America then the reasons are listed below.

1) Prior to the Civil War the debate over slavery intensified. States in the North who did not rely on slave labor opposed the spreading of slavery to territories seeking to become states. Slave states feared that new free states would shift the balance and give Congress the ability to outlaw slavery (see Missouri Compromise). Slavery was dominant in the South because cotton picking is labor-intensive. In the North manufacturing presented arguebly their own form of slavery in manufacturing (see labor movement/child labor/sweatshops). As more territiories sought to became states, the discourse over the issue of the slavery and state rights came to a boil.

2) The South desired a government that deferred the issue of slavery to the States. They believed that the Consitution granted them the right to maintain the practice. The 10th amendment to the Constitution supported the principle of federalism by providing that powers not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the States by the Constitution are reserved to the States or the people. It was believed that if the balance of states shifted towards free states then an amendement could be approved to eliminate slavery. By withdrawing from the US to form a Conderacy, slave states believed they could adopt policies they preferred.

3) State's Rights! The South felt that if the Federal Government usurps a states ability to uphold what they believe is reserved for the states via the 10th amendment then what could stop the Federal Government from eliminating more rights.

4) Money!!! If the South lost the ability to maintain the practice of slavery then it was believed that the cotton and tobacco industry would be decimated. Note: Recent research refutes this claim by addressing the actual costs in keeping slaves. Slaves were fed, clothed, and housed by their "Masters." The costs of the practice of slavery were high not only in terms of monetary costs but also moral costs.

5) Culture!! The North and South had very different cultures and traditions. These differences were exacerbated by the issue of slavery. It was seen that an outsider from up North thought they were more civilized. This was a side-bar issue that rallied more opposition to Federal authority.