American Civil War Poll.

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?
 
Lincon decraing war makes the USA look like a warmongerer and France may have showed solidarity and also recognised the CSA (and supported them but no actual joining of the war) forced to fight two fronts the USA would have either lost or forced to sign a cease fire at the end of the war.
 
There are other things the Americans can do apart from going to war on Britain.
They could have cut back grain shipments to Britain or or cut them off completely.
Britain was depend on US gain to feed it population.
They could have built commerce raiders to be crewed by American sailors , but flying the flag of the Irish republican brotherhood.This could collapse British trade by sea. 20 or 30 ships like the Alabama would do a lot of damage to British trade.
The American did threaten to do this after the British built ship the CSS Alabama crew by British sailors started sinking US Merchant ships.
The Americans could supply weapons to rebels in many parts of the British empire.
 
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