Alternate Dimensional Research Agency Report 3092:
We have discovered yet another TL, where the CSA emerged victorious from their "War of Secession". In this one, the Confederates realized they were going to lose this war early on, and took a chance to win over Britain and French recognition; thus freeing the slaves up to fight for the southern cause. This gave the Confederates the extra numbers to hold on, and win some key battles (I'll have to look more in there history to discover which one). This also had the effect of vindicating a secession movement in Oregon, which rose up in rebellion; some pro-secessionists in southern California did the same, prompting the CS army to keep up it's fight in New Mexico. With the Union having to divert more resources to the mess out west. The victories also prompted international recognition for the CSA, and a forced peace on the US; the Union was forced not only to recognize the Southern independence, but the Pacific states as well (but they were allowed to keep Washigton Territory). However, CSA had troops already in California, meddeling in elections to join the CSA. Oregon, being smashed between two larger countries, figured the best route was to join the CS as well (since they already won their independence from the Union anyway). I'll have more when I further my explorations of the timeline.