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It is likely that the North and the South - not to mention some independent states would have broken off (like Texas) would have been balanced off against each other by other great powers. Other great powers including Germany, Japan, China and Russia. It would still be happening. Its called the balance of power in foreign affairs.
In any case a divided United States would not have been able to build up its armed forces so quickly in WW2 or create a navy or air force big enough to contain the Soviet Union.
It of course did not happen so its all academic. But several writers have written alternate history books about it - one of which I read - has the North and the South fighting each other as part of WW1!
There is a memorial to Conf. General Albert G. Jenkins of WV in Mechanicsburg, PA. When they put up a statue to Gen. McCausland in Chambersburg, PA, then I'll know the wounds have healed.
http://fiji.hea.biz/history/images/Sites/JenkinsMonument.jpg (broken link)
There is a Lee statue at Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland also. More importantly there is a RE Lee statue in the Capitol building in DC.
Arlington house, right next to Arlington National Cemetary is now called the Lee National Memorial by the Federal government. I would not be suprised (I have no idea though) if something up at West Point recognized Lee also.
There is a Lee statue at Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland also. More importantly there is a RE Lee statue in the Capitol building in DC.
Arlington house, right next to Arlington National Cemetary is now called the Lee National Memorial by the Federal government. I would not be suprised (I have no idea though) if something up at West Point recognized Lee also.
LOL. Well, they should have a monument to Lee - that was his house!
Thats likely because Lee was from Northern Virginia i.e. The South.
It is likely that the North and the South - not to mention some independent states would have broken off (like Texas) would have been balanced off against each other by other great powers. Other great powers including Germany, Japan, China and Russia. It would still be happening. Its called the balance of power in foreign affairs.
As you say below, it is all academic, but IMHO (which of course plus a dollar buys the proverbial cup of coffee...or draw beer LOL), the North and South would have eventually reunited. Or else become the closest of allies (like the US and Great Britain today), and share an unguarded border like we do with Canada.
As an aside here, some "If the South Had Won" type novels have (as you allude to above) projected Texas as becoming an independent Republic once again. As it is though, I think a lot of this speculation is grounded in the fact that Texas is regarded as so unique today (which in itself was a largely a result of the outcome of the War in this particular realm). At the time though, as it actually was, Texas was one of the most staunchly Confederate states. Believe it or not, of the original 7 charter members of the CSA, Georgia was the one where the powers that be so openly defied the Davis' administration...
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In any case a divided United States would not have been able to build up its armed forces so quickly in WW2 or create a navy or air force big enough to contain the Soviet Union.
You make a good point, but keep in mind that Jefferson Davis wanted to -- from the beginning -- negotiate an economic and defensive alliance with the North, and open up the Mississippi River for free trade and navigation.
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It of course did not happen so its all academic. But several writers have written alternate history books about it - one of which I read - has the North and the South fighting each other as part of WW1!
Seems like I have heard of the one you mention (but never read it). Was it this one, perhaps?
Lincoln Statue, West Virginia Capitol on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bellalola83/1396727979/ - broken link)
I should point out though, that Charleston, WV is not "Southern". I know, 'cause it's my home town.
Western Virginia had been trying to become it's own State for many, many years before the Civil War, but was unsuccessful in past attempts. To make a very long story very short - Lincoln basically told them that he'd support "West" Virginia as a State, if they sided with the Northern region during the war. They agreed, and poof - Statehood, and eventually, a statue commemorating Lincoln's efforts in front of Charleston's Capital building (built in the early 1930s).
A very old motto of the city (FYI) is, "The Southern most Northern city, and the Northern most Southern city", as culturally, you can find sweet iced tea there, but also philly sandwiches and bagels.
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Originally Posted by westhou
I think the OP should have done a bit more research before starting this thread.
Agreed. The OP is taking a break due to having started a couple of threads that seem to encourage unhealthy debates, rather than discussion. It's good for folks to realize the difference between the two, 'cause we don't like unhealthy stuff around here (well, except doughnuts).
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