What was Europe's effect on the US Civil War?

Answer 1

The British and French were both friendly towards the Confederates for different reasons, and the British came close to supporting them. If they had, the French were likely to follow.

In the case of the British, they were not at all displeased to see the young American republic split into two, as it was starting to affect their supremacy in world trade.

In the case of the French, they were seeking influence in Mexico, and it would suit them well if there was a new nation, pro-French, in-between Mexico and th USA.

For these reasons, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, to turn the Civil War into a war on slavery, so that any nation intervening on the side of the Confederates would look pro-slavery.

As Britain and France had both abolished slavery in all their worldwide possessions, they would now have to stay out of the Civil War.

Answer 2

The major effects of Europe on the US Civil War, mainly concerned the activities of Great Britain and France. Both nations gave aid and comfort to the Confederacy.Great Britain obtained what cotton it could from the South based on the Union's blockade effectiveness. No blockade can be 100% effective so yes, some cotton reached Great Britain. Additionally, the British built a number of warships for the Confederacy and helped to slip them into Confederate hands. They also found a way to furnish the South with thousands of rifles.

The idea that the Emancipation Proclamation effected either France or Britain in terms of recognition is a myth.

Foreign policy of both nations was predicated on what they considered to be in their best interest. Most citizens in Great Britain could not even vote. News they received about the war was not overwhelming. In fact that the Emancipation only covered Southern states was duly noted by the London Times and they saw right through Lincoln's self admitted "war measure".

Great Britain saw the Confederacy as a defacto nation in that it had a government, a military and a constitution. Gladstone even dabbled in Confederate war bonds.

As fir France, a large French bank made loans to the South.

Both countries accepted Confederate representatives.

Formal recognition would not have changed anything concerning the outcome of the war.