"We want the South to succeed in seceding, so that we hamstring our global economic competitor."
"But the South is moustache-twirlingly eeeeeevil, and we've been categorically opposed to slavery - using the RN to stamp out that terrible trade - for absolute donkey's years."
"Good point, well made. Maybe we should just get some popcorn and watch?"
"Probably best, yes."
"Maybe we should intervene on the North's side? That would shorten the war and reduce the human cost."
"What about the actual cost? In sterling?"
"Well, it would be... hmm... carry the one... gosh. I say, old bean, that's really quite a large number."
"So... butter on your popcorn?"
"Top hole, old bean."
"We want the South to succeed in seceding, so that we hamstring our global economic competitor."
"But the South is moustache-twirlingly eeeeeevil, and we've been categorically opposed to slavery - using the RN to stamp out that terrible trade - for absolute donkey's years."
A) British public would not support a war to entrench a pro-slavery government
B) Although the US might not win they *will* take burn parts of Canada in retaliation if not actually claim most of it
C) British development of cotton from Egypt and India is underway
D) US is a rising power in the world and creating a powerful nation with that level of antagonism is a bad idea
E) British interests might not be well served if large quantities of Spencer rifles appear in Ireland
For one, Britain knew not to back the clearly losing horse.
But more importantly, British investment was fuelling the industrialization of the North. They had far more to lose in terms of money from a hostile North than they did from a blockaded South.
But if Britain joined the war then the union would be caught in a 2 front war. Historically speaking, two front wars rarely end in victories. Britain could then defeat the northern states and reintegrate them into the Empire.
America fought a two-front war from 1941-1945.
Well I did say "rarely"
"We want the South to succeed in seceding, so that we hamstring our global economic competitor."
"But the South is moustache-twirlingly eeeeeevil, and we've been categorically opposed to slavery - using the RN to stamp out that terrible trade - for absolute donkey's years."
"Good point, well made. Maybe we should just get some popcorn and watch?"
"Probably best, yes."
"Maybe we should intervene on the North's side? That would shorten the war and reduce the human cost."
"What about the actual cost? In sterling?"
"Well, it would be... hmm... carry the one... gosh. I say, old bean, that's really quite a large number."
"So... butter on your popcorn?"
"Top hole, old bean."
But if Britain joined the war then the union would be caught in a 2 front war. Historically speaking, two front wars rarely end in victories. Britain could then defeat the northern states and reintegrate them into the Empire.
Is there any POD possible were butterflies would mean Britain getting involved, for example a wanted USA?
I think you'll have to clear that up, a wanted USA?
But for POD of Britain getting involved I link to two in my first post.
In 1862? That's a moot point since the US is still legally a slaver nation, despite the protests of Radicals in Congress. When the Emancipation Proclamation became official it had more effect.