The Confederate States of America refers to a short-lived separatist government that existed from 1861 to 1865 in the southern region of the United States during the American Civil War. This self-proclaimed confederation was composed of eleven states that seceded from the Union following the election of Republican President Abraham Lincoln, primarily due to their disagreement with his anti-slavery policies.
The Confederacy aimed to preserve the institution of slavery, which played a fundamental role in their agricultural economy. Thus, they sought to maintain their unique social, political, and economic interests, including state sovereignty and the right to determine their own laws concerning slavery.
The Confederate States of America established their capital in Montgomery, Alabama, then moved to Richmond, Virginia. They adopted their own constitution and elected Jefferson Davis as their president. Recognized as a separate country by few nations, notably the United Kingdom and France, the Confederacy was primarily at war with the Union throughout its existence.
Ultimately, the Confederate States of America faced significant challenges, including economic hardships, political divisions, and military defeats, leading to their defeat in 1865. The surrender of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia marked the end of the Confederacy, as well as the beginning of the Reconstruction era in the United States. While the Confederacy is often associated with the defense of slavery, its history remains a significant and controversial part of American history, representing a region's attempt to establish a separate nation based on diverging values and interests.
