Lincoln Outlaws Business with Confederates (1861)

The Decision of 1861: Lincoln’s Bold Move Against the Confederacy

In the midst of the turmoil of the US Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln faced the critical challenge of undermining the Confederate States. In 1861, he took a significant step that would alter the economic landscape: he outlawed all business transactions with the Confederates. This decision was pivotal not just for the war effort but also for the future of the United States.

Abraham Lincoln’s Strategy Against the Confederates

President Lincoln understood that the Confederacy was relying on trade to sustain their war efforts. By issuing an order to prohibit business with the Confederate states, Lincoln aimed to cripple their economy and starve their military of necessary supplies. This was part of a broader strategy of blockading Confederate ports and restricting their ability to trade internationally, thereby isolating them further.

Impact on the Civil War Effort

Outlawing business with the Confederates had immediate implications. It significantly limited their sources for weapons, food, and other critical supplies. The blockade established by the Union Navy would further restrict their access to international trade, thereby weakening the Confederate war effort over time.

National Unity in Times of Conflict

This bold action also served to rally Union sentiment. By cutting off support for the Confederacy and taking a strong stand against secession, Lincoln sought to unite the Northern states in their efforts against the rebellion and restore the Union.

Reactions to Lincoln’s Order

The reaction to this decision was mixed. Many Northerners supported Lincoln’s tough stance, seeing it as a necessary means to an end. However, there were also those in the North who were sympathetic to the Southern cause, worried that such measures would further inflame tensions.

Long-Term Economic Consequences

The outlawing of business with the Confederate states wasn't just about wartime tactics; it had lasting effects on the post-war economy. The division had created new economic realities, and Lincoln's policies played a key role in reshaping economic relationships both within the former Union and between the North and the South.

Fun Fact

The Aftermath of Lincoln’s Decision

Interestingly, the crackdown on trade didn't just restrict Confederates. It also caused issues for Northern merchants who found their international dealings severely limited, leading to calls for clearer regulation during the war.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Abraham Lincoln

To delve deeper into the significant actions of President Lincoln during the Civil War, consider reading "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by Doris Kearns Goodwin, or "Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years and The War Years" by Carl Sandburg.