What Do Southerners Call the Civil War?
The United States is home to 50 states, each with its own unique culture and history. One of the most significant events in American history is the Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865. However, when it comes to labeling this period, there’s a difference in opinion between the North and the South.
Contents
Two Perspectives on the Civil War
While many Northerners call it the American Civil War, Southerners often refer to it as the War Between the States or the War of Northern Aggression. This difference in terminology reflects the diverging perspectives and experiences of each region during the conflict.
A Brief Background on the Civil War
The American Civil War was fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) over issues such as slavery, states’ rights, and economic and cultural differences. The war started when 11 Southern states seceded from the Union in 1861, citing the Confederacy’s right to maintain and expand slavery. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, regarded secession as unconstitutional and vowed to preserve the Union.
War Between the States: The Southern Perspective
For many Southerners, the Civil War was a struggle for self-determination and independence, rather than a fight against slavery. They saw states’ rights and regional autonomy as crucial to their culture and way of life, which was shaped by traditions such as agriculture, cotton production, and African American slavery.
The term "War Between the States" acknowledges the conflict’s roots in regional differences rather than slavery. This framing emphasizes the geopolitical and economical aspects of the war, downplaying the moral implications of slavery.
Some notable examples of Southerners who refer to the Civil War as the "War Between the States" include:
• Civil War reenactors
• Historical organizations
• Southern historical societies
• Governors and politicians of Southern states
War of Northern Aggression: The Southern Revisionist Perspective
Another term used by some Southerners, particularly in the Baptist and Presbyterian faiths, is the "War of Northern Aggression". This phrase implies that the conflict was instigated by Northern aggression and an attempt to force Southerners to adopt liberal values.
This narrative emphasizes the Union Army’s actions as being invasive and threatening, while downplaying slavery as the primary cause of the war. It also downplays the role of racism and white supremacy in the Confederacy.
Notable examples of Southerners who support this narrative include:
• Religious leaders and theologians
• Conservative politicians
• Right-wing media and online forums
• Some historical textbooks and curriculum
Other Terms and Opinions
While War Between the States and War of Northern Aggression are two prominent terms among Southerners, other phrases are used to describe the Civil War:
• The American War of Secession
• The War to Preserve Slavery
• The War of Unity
• The National Reckoning
Table: Different Perspectives on the Civil War
| War Between the States | War of Northern Aggression | Other Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | States’ rights and regional autonomy | Northern aggression and forced unity | Various perspectives |
| Emphasis | Geopolitical and economical aspects | Moral implications and racism | Slavery, unity, and reckoning |
| Target audience | Southerners, historians, reenactors | Conservative Christian groups, right-wing politicians | Diverse audiences and perspectives |
A Call to Understanding and Resolution
Ultimately, the terms used to describe the Civil War reveal the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict. Rather than perpetuating divisive rhetoric, it is essential to acknowledge the varied perspectives and experiences of both the North and South.
By engaging with different narratives and acknowledging the humanity and suffering on both sides, we can work towards a more complete understanding of this pivotal period in American history. Let us strive for nuance and empathy, acknowledging the complexities of the Civil War and its ongoing impact on American society today.
References:
• The Oxford Handbook of the American South
• The Atlas of the Civil War
• The Civil War: A Narrative
• Southern Historical Society
• The National Society of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
