The Civil War Abroad: How the Great American Conflict Reached Overseas

The Civil War had a significant impact on Britain and France, as well as Sweden and Turkey, with Union and Confederate agents seeking support overseas and Victorian Britons viewing the South as an incipient nation struggling for recognition. The sinking of the CSS Alabama by the USS Kearsarge off Cherbourg brought the war to the European coastline, and ten years after Appomattox, veterans from both North and South found themselves on the same side in the Egyptian army.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The Civil War had far-reaching consequences that extended beyond the borders of the United States. Its impact can still be observed in various countries, including Britain and France, which were the most affected by the conflict. Even in seemingly unlikely places like Sweden and Turkey, remnants of the war can be found. Both Union and Confederate agents sought support from abroad, utilizing local sympathizers to further their causes. Some Victorian Britons, despite their opposition to slavery, viewed the South as a fledgling nation striving for recognition, akin to Italy or Poland, but with deep historical and cultural ties to Britain. The sinking of the CSS Alabama by the USS Kearsarge off the coast of Cherbourg marked a significant moment when the war reached the European continent. A decade after the end of the Civil War at Appomattox, veterans from both the North and the South found themselves serving on the same side in the Egyptian army.

This book delves into the international aspects of the Civil War, drawing upon a diverse range of sources to provide a comprehensive examination of this pivotal period in history. It explores the diplomatic efforts, military alliances, and economic consequences of the war on a global scale, shedding light on the complex web of relationships and conflicts that unfolded during this tumultuous time.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 253 x 178 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476687094