this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2025
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I though the slavery question was mostly a pretext and a propaganda argument of the Union...
That the federated were fighting for a federal union of states, while confederated fighted for a confederation ; in that way, a federation could pass a law that (by example) could force member states to renounce to slavery ; while a confederation could only make it a wish of harmonisation of local laws, each state remaining independant.
On the side of slavery, an other question was discussed. The main principle of US economy policies. Protectionism (high tarifs on imports, to let US industry develop without much international competition ; sacrifying agriculture which main sales were at export), or free-market Liberalism (no tarifs, let all US companies face and benefit of international competition, and therefore sacrify some industries for agriculture's benefits).
Free-market partisans were favorable to confederation, so each state fixes its own tariffs. Protectionism partisan were more favorable to a federation, so that agricole states may not easily choose to buy industrial good from foreign countries.
The thing with slavery is that it may make sense (economicaly only) in a system based on agriculture. But for industrials, slavery is harming the needed productivity ; slaves are far too expensive compared to (not united) workers paid per piece.
Also, the victory of the federated allowed effectively the industry to get the main part of US internal market and reduced the agricultural exports. But it did not allow those on the wrong side of the "line of color" to have access to a decent life... And so it seems to me that the division was more on the economical vision than for humanist reasons.
Am I that wrong?
Absolutely wrong. All of the Confederate states explicitly name slavery as the purpose of their secession. The Confederate Constitution itself actually reduced state powers in several areas. The Confederate Constitution - embodying both of these issues - explicitly forbids individual states from ever abolishing slavery. The Confederate states were not given the power to impose their own individual tariffs. Agricultural exports were not reduced after the war.
OP explains what their understanding is, asks if they are mistaken.
Lemmy: FUCK YOU!
This will be instructive, and many of the letters of succession are singing from the same hymn book, though not every one.
A Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal Union
Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin.
If that is true, then why did they feel the need to bake this straight into the constitution?
Them there confederate boys sure do love their state rights.
Yes, you're that wrong. It was about slavery from the start. Read the letters if secession and the confederate constitution. Slavery is explicitly mentioned as a reason for secession several times and the constitution is virtually the same as the US constitution but with the explicit inclusion of slavery.
The Declaration of Causes of Seceding States | American Battlefield Trust https://share.google/apb20y4F1EStHk7pE