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.
Tag: Charles Francis Adams
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.
Compromise Goes up the Spout
By the end of 1860, several proposals to keep the Union intact have been proposed, including the complex compromise plan from Senator John J. Crittenden. But none of these proposals seem to be popular enough for both North and South to support.
President Buchanan’s 1860 Message to Congress
The last annual message of James Buchanan’s presidency acknowledges that North and South are “now arrayed against each other.” He offers suggestions on how to resolve the crisis, but he leaves both sections dissatisfied.
A Suicidal Game
Charles Francis Adams, U.S. minister to Great Britain, threatens war unless the British honor their neutrality and stop construction on a warship allegedly being built for the Confederacy.
Continuing as Mere Lookers-On
The leaders of Great Britain express new reluctance to recognize Confederate independence, and Emperor Napoleon III of France proposes foreign mediation between the two warring factions.