Why Some Southerners Clung to the Union Despite Secession

The question of why some members of the Confederacy were opposed to secession is complex and multi-faceted. While the majority of Southern states voted to leave the Union, there were notable exceptions among specific regions and states. This essay explores the motivations and circumstances behind these individuals and regions that opposed secession, with a particular focus on the role of slavery and economic considerations.

Economic Dependence on Slavery

The economic landscape of the South played a significant role in the decision-making process leading to secession. States with economies that were heavily dependent on slavery, such as South Carolina and Georgia, were more likely to support secession. However, other states, notably the border states of Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and Delaware, did not share this economic reliance on slavery. These states chose to stay with the Union due to a mix of economic reasons and fear of conflict.

The Irony of Secession

Some Southerners who advocated for secession used the desire to "secede" as a veiled attempt to prevent their own citizens from escaping slavery. These individuals operated under the guise of maintaining their way of life, which in reality was a means to keep their enslaved labor force. This strategy was not only morally questionable but also clearly aimed at suppressing any internal resistance to the institution of slavery. The desire to secede, in many cases, was merely a facade to continue the exploitation of their own people.

The Reality of Union Competence

Another factor that influenced some Southerners to remain within the Union was the growing threat of the North over time. As the conflict persisted, the Northern states increased their military and economic power, making secession seem increasingly untenable. Southern states realized that they were likely to lose the fight and thus decided to stay part of the Union to avoid complete destruction. They deemed the Union's growing strength a more favorable outcome than secession, which they believed would lead to their ultimate downfall.

The Border States' Decision

States like Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and Delaware stayed within the Union despite the looming secession due to the limited importance of slavery in their economies. In these border states, while the institution of slavery was legal, it was not as prevalent and significant as it was in Deep South states. This lack of economic dependence on slavery, combined with a strong sense of national loyalty, led these states to remain committed to the Union.

Appalachia's Support for the Union

A significant portion of the Appalachian region supported the Union throughout the Civil War. This region comprised parts of several states, including Eastern Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Despite being geographically closer to the Confederate states, these areas favored the Union due to their own economic and cultural ties to the North. The Union's abilities to protect these regions from Confederate invasion, despite the odds, further solidified their loyalty.

Western Virginia's Successful Secession

A notable exception was the case of Western Virginia, which successfully seceded from the Confederate state of Virginia and formed the new state of West Virginia in 1863. This movement was driven by a desire for self-determination and a clear opposition to the Confederate cause. The majority of Western Virginians supported the Union, aligning themselves with the federal government to gain statehood and to distance themselves from the Confederate cause.

In conclusion, the decision of some Southerners to oppose secession was influenced by a combination of economic realities, moral opposition to the institution of slavery, and fear of losing the Union's superior military and economic power. These factors varied across different regions and states, leading to a complex and nuanced understanding of the motivations behind the pro-Union sentiments in the Confederacy.