British Blockade Runners in the American Civil War

During the American Civil War, the Union naval blockade was a crucial factor in bringing down the Confederacy. British citizens, operating out of neutral ports like Nassau, Havana, and Bermuda, financed and equipped Confederate blockade runners. This history identifies the overseas bankers and manufacturers who provided the necessary resources for these ships.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2019
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The Union naval blockade, spanning a vast 3,500 miles of Southern coastline throughout the war, proved to be the most devastating campaign in the Union's arsenal. While the daring exploits of Confederate blockade runners are well-documented, it's important to note that many of them were British citizens operating from neutral ports like Nassau, Havana, and Bermuda. In this captivating history, the author delves into the significant role played by British individuals and institutions in supporting the Confederacy. These overseas bankers and manufacturers, desperately in need of cotton and other Confederate exports, provided the necessary funding and equipment for the swift and agile blockade runners. The author endeavors to unravel the complex web of names and aliases of the captains, many of whom were Royal Navy officers on temporary leave, and presents their stories in their own words. This intricate narrative sheds light on the intricate connections between Britain, the Confederacy, and the broader context of the Civil War, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal period in American history.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 251 x 181 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476676791