165 YEARS AGO: The European powers entertain the possibility of recognizing Confederate independence. Meanwhile, France capitalizes on the war by invading Mexico, raising concerns about violating the Monroe Doctrine.
Category: Foreign Relations
Mason and Slidell Escape
165 YEARS AGO TODAY: Confederate envoys board a steamship in the hopes of eluding the Federal blockade and reaching Europe to gain Confederate recognition.
King Cotton and Confederate Diplomacy
165 YEARS AGO: The Confederacy continues working to get support from Great Britain, even at the cost of holding the British economy hostage. Meanwhile, President Jefferson Davis reassigns diplomats to strengthen European relations as U.S. officials worry about potential recognition of Confederate independence.
Forced to be Enemies of Great Britain
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Confederate envoys seek to garner foreign support but faced opposition due to foreign hostility toward slavery. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward declares U.S. commitment to preserving the Union and warns the foreign powers not to recognize Confederate independence.
Desiring a Peaceful Solution
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Three Confederate commissioners arrive in Washington to negotiate the peaceful transfer of Fort Sumter from U.S. to Confederate hands. Secretary of State William H. Seward takes it upon himself to discuss the situation with the commissioners despite President Abraham Lincoln’s instruction not to do so.
Seeking Friendship, Commerce and Navigation
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Jefferson Davis prioritizes securing foreign recognition for the new Confederacy by appointing three commissioners for diplomatic missions to three influential European nations. Meanwhile, Federal military officers continue to resign to go South, and Confederate officials approach Robert E. Lee to do the same.