Here's the Idea (which I read in the Alt-Hist Anthology What If)
In 1861, Union and Confederate forces clashed at Bull Run; the fighting seemed to go against the Confederates until General Jackson "Stonewall" Jackson's inspired stand rallied the rebels and they held--ending with the federal troops routing and fleeing for the safety of Washington DC.
Suppose that instead of being nicked by bullets, Jackson is struck down. His defiant stand is now a open symbol of disaster, and his troops begin to flee as disorganized rabble.
Thus far, largely a reversal of the Historical Bull Run, but...
The Rebels have to travel 25 miles to find a defensive line (The Rappahannock River)
The Federals have two fresh divisions to continue the pursuit.
Of all people, Confederate President Jefferson Davis is watching the battle!
So then continue the scenario: McDowell's reserve divisions turn the rout into a complete disaster for the Rebels. Jefferson Davis is captured and the Confederates lose the vast majority of their forces--forced to surrender or potentially die in the unorganized rout.
If Jefferson Davis is captured, his Vice President could advance to the Presidency--Alexander Stephens made repeated overtures for peace with the North and might very well sue for terms.
So what happens if the Confederacy breaks down in 1861, as suggested above? When does slavery end? And is the Confederacy at all remembered today, or just a sad farce people try to ignore?
In 1861, Union and Confederate forces clashed at Bull Run; the fighting seemed to go against the Confederates until General Jackson "Stonewall" Jackson's inspired stand rallied the rebels and they held--ending with the federal troops routing and fleeing for the safety of Washington DC.
Suppose that instead of being nicked by bullets, Jackson is struck down. His defiant stand is now a open symbol of disaster, and his troops begin to flee as disorganized rabble.
Thus far, largely a reversal of the Historical Bull Run, but...
The Rebels have to travel 25 miles to find a defensive line (The Rappahannock River)
The Federals have two fresh divisions to continue the pursuit.
Of all people, Confederate President Jefferson Davis is watching the battle!
So then continue the scenario: McDowell's reserve divisions turn the rout into a complete disaster for the Rebels. Jefferson Davis is captured and the Confederates lose the vast majority of their forces--forced to surrender or potentially die in the unorganized rout.
If Jefferson Davis is captured, his Vice President could advance to the Presidency--Alexander Stephens made repeated overtures for peace with the North and might very well sue for terms.
So what happens if the Confederacy breaks down in 1861, as suggested above? When does slavery end? And is the Confederacy at all remembered today, or just a sad farce people try to ignore?