I have heard it said that if Britain had formally recognized the Confederacy, the United States would have declared war, as President Lincoln had threatened this.
In this poll, tell us what you think? Was it just bluster? Or would Lincoln actually have declared war on the British? And keep in mind that even if the British had recognized the Confederates, they would not necessarily have taken military action.
I, for one, find it hard to believe that Lincoln would be the first to declare war. Britain back then was an undisputed hyperpower, probably more powerful back then than the United States is today. And let's keep in mind that the reason Lincoln agreed to resolve the Trent Affair was because he realized the US could not fight Britain and the Confederacy at the same time.
So, what would Lincoln have done?
In this poll, tell us what you think? Was it just bluster? Or would Lincoln actually have declared war on the British? And keep in mind that even if the British had recognized the Confederates, they would not necessarily have taken military action.
I, for one, find it hard to believe that Lincoln would be the first to declare war. Britain back then was an undisputed hyperpower, probably more powerful back then than the United States is today. And let's keep in mind that the reason Lincoln agreed to resolve the Trent Affair was because he realized the US could not fight Britain and the Confederacy at the same time.
So, what would Lincoln have done?