The Civil War

[crazytp93]

In the Civil War would you choose to be on the Union (North) side or the Confederacy (South) side?

[HSMndLKfan92]

Neither. None of my ancestors were in the US at the time.

[STOPxmickeytime]

Do you really expect someone to say, yes, I'd prefer to be on the Confedarate side, I'm for seceding and slavery?

And like Jaimie said, my family was chilling in Ireland at the time :]

[ComfyinNautica]

My family was in Italy at the time, but since I'm assuming it's a hypothetical question, I would have chosen to be on the union side...obviously.

[HDD]

Union...
Why would anyone chose the Confederate side? lol

[HSMndLKfan92]

Union...
Why would anyone chose the Confederate side? lol

As I learned in US History 1 [feel free to argue if you don't agree with me - this goes for anyone] at the time, slavery was vital in the southern economy. The Confederates were fighting to protect their ultra sensitive economy & way of life.

[STOPxmickeytime]

As I learned in US History 1 [feel free to argue if you don't agree with me - this goes for anyone] at the time, slavery was vital in the southern economy. The Confederates were fighting to protect their ultra sensitive economy & way of life.

That's true, but honestly, if anyone came out in present day and age and said "Yeah, I definetly would have been a Confedarate soldier," no one would back that up.
Back in that time period, yes, slavery was a way of life, and a lot of people didn't see it as wrong, because that's what they'd grown up knowing.
But a person today could not say they'd support slavery and expect to be supported.
Slavery is one of the darkest stains in America's history, and I doubt anyone would openly share that they believe it's acceptable.

[Columba]

The Union. I come from a huge Irish Iowan family. I had ancestors who went down with Uncle Billy helping him with his urban renewal and some who fought with the 4th Irish brigade.

You'd be surprised by how many people would support the South and still say stuff like "The South will rise again" and all that. I personally find it sickening that they will still fly their traitor flags and defend a nation that tried so hard to keep slavery.

[Sparx]

your opinion of this is enough to make me change my opinion of you:
http://boles.com/called/07/coflag1.jpg

I am an american. I am an american. I am an american. I am not part of the confederacy (though the area I am in did succeed.) Put me in the time period. Put me under the pressure of sustaining my lifestyle. I would not have succeeded. I would never abandon my country for such disgusting reasoning.

These photos make me want to vomit:
http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2004/12/flagdress.jpg
(yes ladies and gents. thats a prom dress)
http://www.maidenfans.com/imc/pictures/pictures04_pom/southrise.jpg
http://personal.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/D.Jefferies/miscellaneous/isle-of-wight-august-2000/med/confederate-flag-030806.jpg
(a confed flag, but no American one?)
http://i.current.com/images/studio/asset/2006/04/15/2677631_400x300.jpg
(a child touching that piece of filth)

Wanna know where Confederate flags are sold? The Klu Klux Klan store.


I have no respect for someone who respects that flag. I understand its their heritage, its mine too. But that doesn't make it okay, and that doesn't make it cool or fun. It makes it a dark part of our history.

-a proud (southern) american.

[crazytp93]

Do you really expect someone to say, yes, I'd prefer to be on the Confedarate side, I'm for seceding and slavery?

And like Jaimie said, my family was chilling in Ireland at the time :]
I think Shelby pretty much answers that question for you, that yes, people would say "Yes, I'd prefer to be on the Confederate side."
your opinion of this is enough to make me change my opinion of you:
http://boles.com/called/07/coflag1.jpg

I am an american. I am an american. I am an american. I am not part of the confederacy (though the area I am in did succeed.) Put me in the time period. Put me under the pressure of sustaining my lifestyle. I would not have succeeded. I would never abandon my country for such disgusting reasoning.

These photos make me want to vomit:
http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2004/12/flagdress.jpg
(yes ladies and gents. thats a prom dress)
http://www.maidenfans.com/imc/pictures/pictures04_pom/southrise.jpg
http://personal.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/D.Jefferies/miscellaneous/isle-of-wight-august-2000/med/confederate-flag-030806.jpg
(a confed flag, but no American one?)
http://i.current.com/images/studio/asset/2006/04/15/2677631_400x300.jpg
(a child touching that piece of filth)

Wanna know where Confederate flags are sold? The Klu Klux Klan store.


I have no respect for someone who respects that flag. I understand its their heritage, its mine too. But that doesn't make it okay, and that doesn't make it cool or fun. It makes it a dark part of our history.

-a proud (southern) american.

[DisneyGirl421]

Living in Gettysburg, the Civil War plays a big part in this town. Alot of my friends are reenactors, and during the tourists months, we still people in Civil War garb all the time.

My ancestors were from New England and the mid-atlantic states, so they fought on the Union side.

Two of my reenactor friends, one from NY and one from Georgia, both reenactor Confederate. The main reason the girl from NY does Confereate that the reenacting group had a music corp (she's a fifer), and the Union didn't.

[tinkerbellblondie19]

Honestly, the war was a lot less about slavery than pop culture would let you believe. The North had a very strong majority rule, and in the 1860 election the entire South united behind John Breckinridge, and they still lost. This was the last straw for the South, because if that was the case they were no better off with the United States than they were as subjects of England. Everyone was coming to realize that slavery had to end, but it couldn't be abrupt. Yes, some people in the South were fighting for slavery, but the main trigger for South Carolina seceding was Lincoln winning the election.

Because of this, I probably would have ended up on the Confederate side.

[STOPxmickeytime]

Honestly, the war was a lot less about slavery than pop culture would let you believe. The North had a very strong majority rule, and in the 1860 election the entire South united behind John Breckinridge, and they still lost. This was the last straw for the South, because if that was the case they were no better off with the United States than they were as subjects of England. Everyone was coming to realize that slavery had to end, but it couldn't be abrupt. Yes, some people in the South were fighting for slavery, but the main trigger for South Carolina seceding was Lincoln winning the election.

Because of this, I probably would have ended up on the Confederate side.

The South was in the majority rule in the House of Representatives, which was the main reason that Northern abolitionists COULDN'T rule out slavery, because the Southern representatives would veto it.
The trigger for South Carolina seceding was Lincoln being elected, but it was because he was from the new Republican party, which was blatantly against slavery.
Plus, the Southern economy was actually stronger than the North pre-Civil War, due to its slave-run plantation economy.

Yes, there were other reasons for the Civil War.
But slavery was the main one. The United States couldn't stay united if half the country was for slavery and the other half was against it. The war was strictly to keep the Union, because if slavery still ruled the South, there would be total secession.

I'm gonna disagree with you there, because while the South was fighting for its independence, the main reason it wanted independence was to ensure slavery would stay in place.

[tinkerbellblondie19]

The Democrats did have majority rule, but in 1858 the Republicans took almost 50 of their seats, and in turn, the majority.

[chisnpeke]

As I learned in US History 1 [feel free to argue if you don't agree with me - this goes for anyone] at the time, slavery was vital in the southern economy. The Confederates were fighting to protect their ultra sensitive economy & way of life.

That's exactly right.

Anyway, this question is in no way relevant to today's society so I am not sure why it's even being asked.

[Axel]

The Union.

While I respect a person's right to their own way of life, owning and beating another human being for profit (and without their consent) is just wrong.

[Thumbs18]

Ok I'm gona say it. I would be on the confederate side. No I am not a racist and I don't support slavery but the history is fascinating! It's part of american history and in my opinion everyone should just get over it! It's n the past but I'm not gona lie and say 'd b in the union when I wouldn't. I hail from the south so it's a major part of my history as well as everyone elses. My cuzin has a shirt with a confederate flag on it the says if this flag offends you then you need a history lesson. Like I said I'm NOT racist. This is just my opinion.

[imabrat]

Based on my geographical location, the Union.

Based on my opinion, IDK. I'm not afraid to admit I don't know that much about the Civil War. It bores me.

[DisneyGirl421]

Honestly, the war was a lot less about slavery than pop culture would let you believe. The North had a very strong majority rule, and in the 1860 election the entire South united behind John Breckinridge, and they still lost. This was the last straw for the South, because if that was the case they were no better off with the United States than they were as subjects of England. Everyone was coming to realize that slavery had to end, but it couldn't be abrupt. Yes, some people in the South were fighting for slavery, but the main trigger for South Carolina seceding was Lincoln winning the election.

Because of this, I probably would have ended up on the Confederate side.

You are completely right.
Slavery was a major cause, yes, it being the only cause is wrong. The South felt like their rights as states were being taken away from them. The Civil War was fought over State's Rights more than it was for slavery.
Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, although it was a major contribution to ending slavery, really did nothing. He did not have the authority to end slavery in the south, and that proclamation did not even end slavery in the border states, only the south. So in actuality, it did absolutely nothing.

[Columba]

You are completely right.
Slavery was a major cause, yes, it being the only cause is wrong. The South felt like their rights as states were being taken away from them. The Civil War was fought over State's Rights more than it was for slavery.
Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, although it was a major contribution to ending slavery, really did nothing. He did not have the authority to end slavery in the south, and that proclamation did not even end slavery in the border states, only the south. So in actuality, it did absolutely nothing.

What rights were they fighting for?

[jemberly_ann]

half of my family was here, on the union side, the other was in ireland

so,yeah. im a union

[BabyPiglet]

According to my family's geographical history, I could've been on either.
According to my family's point of view, I'd probably be on the confederate side. (My family isn't racist, I just know that back in those times we probably would've been slave owners and living in the south.)

According to my POV, I don't know. I wasn't alive back in those times, so I can't really say.

[Tinkerbell424]

What rights were they fighting for?

The North was going industrial I do believe, and the South was use to having Slaves do the work. And working by hand.
They did not want this to happen.
They were fighting for their way of life and their economy.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Loves Disney]

One of best friends got a new roommate midway through the year and after this new roommate moved in, my friend walked into his room to see a huge Confederate flag hanging on the wall. Certainly a shocker. Even though it's frowned upon here, there's nothing anyone can really do about it. It's sort of a confusing thing though...his roommate isn't a racist (as far as we know) nor does he support that stuff (as far as we know). :confused3

[Columba]

The North was going industrial I do believe, and the South was use to having Slaves do the work. And working by hand.
They did not want this to happen.
They were fighting for their way of life and their economy.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes, I was just wondering what rights other than to keep their slaves was the South fighting for.

[Ms.Squeakers]

Im sorry, but I just dont understand the point of this thread.


To be honest, I wouldnt be on a side.
I dont keep up to date with things.
EVER.
At that point I would still be in England, screaming "A NEW WORLD!? WHAT!?"
"TEA, STAMPS, WHAT!?"

Yes.
That would be me.

[VMK_MagicalLadee]

THE SOUTH.

I assume that's the timing when Gone with the wind was set in. ( I hope)

I want the accent and those DRESSES.. They're pwnin.

[crazytp93]

Im sorry, but I just dont understand the point of this thread.


To be honest, I wouldnt be on a side.
I dont keep up to date with things.
EVER.
At that point I would still be in England, screaming "A NEW WORLD!? WHAT!?"
"TEA, STAMPS, WHAT!?"

Yes.
That would be me.

I just finished a book about what side people would choose.

[reminisce]

i cant say i know which side i would choose...

NORTH:

Positives:
anti-slavery
wanted to keep the union together
were fighting for others to have rights

Negatives:
had no business getting involved
were hurting their comrades economy
werent becoming educated about the matter, but rashly acted out
used brutal war tactics
would not try to reach an agreement


SOUTH

Positives:
were fighting for their economy
werent trying to start a war

Negatives:
badly abused their slaves
used brutal war tactics
tried to secede
would not try to reach an agreement
thought using the brains of their forefathers instead of their own


as you see, each side was in the wrong. im sure i would have seen things differently, though, had i lived in that time. it is for this reason that NO ONE should 'know' which side they would be on--only suspect. everyone was very emotional back then, and every history book tells the tale with a slant.

[STOPxmickeytime]

i cant say i know which side i would choose...

NORTH:

Positives:
anti-slavery
wanted to keep the union together
were fighting for others to have rights

Negatives:
had no business getting involved
were hurting their comrades economy
werent becoming educated about the matter, but rashly acted out
used brutal war tactics
would not try to reach an agreement


SOUTH

Positives:
were fighting for their economy
werent trying to start a war

Negatives:
badly abused their slaves
used brutal war tactics
tried to secede
would not try to reach an agreement
thought using the brains of their forefathers instead of their own


as you see, each side was in the wrong. im sure i would have seen things differently, though, had i lived in that time. it is for this reason that NO ONE should 'know' which side they would be on--only suspect. everyone was very emotional back then, and every history book tells the tale with a slant.

I just wanted to point out- the South may not have instigated the war, but technically, they were the first to start it.
They were the ones to start attacking forts and Union territories- both acts of war.

And honestly, the North had every right to get involved. They knew full well that if the United States did not stay a union, it would not only badly hurt both Northern and Southern economies, but would eventually stretch into a Confedarcy vs. Mexico war, which would then lead into international warfare, as European countries would have come to the aid of their territories. So, the North was definetly not just messing around with the South's business, they were directly effected.

But I do agree with what you said about not being able to choose sides.
Right now, educated and in the modern times, I'd join the Union. But who knows what might have happened back in the day?:upsidedow

[Tinkerbell424]

Yes, I was just wondering what rights other than to keep their slaves was the South fighting for.

They we're fighting for their their culture.

[chisnpeke]

Like I said, totally irrelevant question in today's world. :rolleyes1

[jacensolo3]

i dont think it's totaly irrelavant cause you have to know your past find your future right?

[chisnpeke]

i dont think it's totaly irrelavant cause you have to know your past find your future right?

The subject isn't irrelevant, but the question is. People have no need to pick because we aren't living then and it's never coming back. It's interesting to think about (I love history and think about it all the time) but it doesn't make it relevant to today's society. Well, maybe you have a point. Idk, I'm tired and have too much on my mind. I shouldn't be on the DIS...I need sleep!!! :laughing:

[Padrepride]

I would fight for the Union because Lincoln was one of the greatest, if not the greatest president of the United States. Also, Col. Chamberlain's defense of Little Round Top at Gettysburg was awesome! It was a bayonet charge not to be confused with Pickett's Charge.

[PowerMonkey]

just wanted to pop in and say that slavery wasnt even a cause of the civil war lol... the civil war was all about political power and economic power... the south used to dominate over the north, economically and politically.. however, when the north started to pull its act together, with licoln winning the election and all, the south threw a hissy fit.... they were starting to lose their power over the country as a whole, and began the offensive... they wanted to maintain their dominance over the north basically

long story short, throughout the war, the south was trying to get britain to join their fight... britains always had its eyes on america, so they did indeed wanted to join... however, britain had JUST abolished slavery in their own country... so lincoln was a smart guy... he promised to abolish slavery for 2 reasons... it would get him a lot more support among activists... and itll keep britain out of the war.. because if britain joined the south, they would look hypocritical since the south wanted to keep slavery

... sooo slavery wasnt even a major issue in the war.. its abolishment just so happened to be an outcome of it... a strategic operation on the norths end ... sooo i dont think its evil for people to say that they would probably be confederates if they were actually living in that time period... its all political struggle, and is basically just a matter of where you were living at the time..



but id be a union supportor because the union represented foreign citizens.. and id be a foreigner lol


..i loved my history class haha