There Was More to the Civil War than Slavery : part 1

There Was More to the Civil War than Slavery : part 1

This article is written in honorance and memory of those who suffered and died in not only in connection to the Civil War, but also for those from times past and times present who suffer from the greed of bankers and corporations.  Life is an everlasting learning process, and this author is just  now learning about blog making.  Unfortunately, this template will not handle the length of my article so that it will  be  broken down into 3 blogs with the references on each blog for writer's ease.

Union Civil War Dead Soldiers at Gettysburg https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=jz72KfbN&id=D887B56ED8A5D556D0925B3E205D61C6A197DD15&q=dead+civil+war+soldiers+pictures&simid=608026602911303783&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0

A journey to gain a firmer comprehension of the Civil War has presented some interesting information that will be presented in this article.  This article will concentrate on the ascertains that the Civil War was about slavery and that Abraham Lincoln was the “slaves’ champion”.  As this author perused sources about any hidden causes of the Civil War claims of “bankers wars” are noticed so this possibility will be explored as well.  The search for information made it necessary to add more and more clues as to the possibility that nefarious outside influences seemed to have an effect on the war that caused brother to kill brother.  Abraham Lincoln and  social equality, slavery in the South, slavery in the North, Abraham Lincoln and slavery, plans for resettlement, the Emancipation Proclamation, “contraband camp” atrocities, the role of private bankers in America, the Morrill Tariff Act, agents reported swarming the South, Lincoln becomes President, Fort Sumter, July 4^th message to Congress, Salmon P, Chase, possible Masonic connections, the Secession Acts of the Thirteen Confederate States, Robert E. Lee's letter to General Winfield Scott, and the  closing remarks will be presented in this article.  First, Abraham Lincoln’s views on social equality will be explored.

Abraham Lincoln and Social Equality

Abraham Lincoln is regarded as the president who fought the Civil War in order to end the institution of slavery so this section will present some data that points to ulterior motives.  Morgan (1993) points out that Lincoln is seen as black freedom’s champion who waged the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865 so that races could have social equality.  It has been noted that Lincoln was, indeed, opposed to slavery; however, his views on social equality are not well known.  Some of his quotes about race will be presented. 

In a speech delivered on October 16, 1854 while in Peoria, Illinois he stated that “if all earthly power were given me, I should not know what to do, as to the existing institution [of slavery].  My first impulse would be to free all the slaves, and send them to Liberia, to their own native land”.  Later in that same speech he confessed that “we cannot, then, make them equals" (Morgan, 1993).   Liberia was a plot on Africa’s west coast that was acquired in 1819 by President James Monroe.  In 1822, the shipment of freed slaves to Liberia began.  Unfortunately, the idea of keeping the races separate was not new in America.  Next, Lincoln’s own words about race separation will be presented.

In Springfield, Illinois on June 26, 1857 he explained why he was opposed to allowing the Kansas-Nebraska Act that would have brought the slave holding state Kansas into the Union.  “There is a natural disgust in the minds of nearly all white people to the idea of indiscriminate amalgamation of the white and black races ... A separation of the races is the only perfect preventive of amalgamation, but as an immediate separation is impossible, the next best thing is to keep them apart where they are not already together. If white and black people never get together in Kansas, they will never mix blood in Kansas ...what colonization needs most is a hearty will. Will springs from the two elements of moral sense and self-interest. Let us be brought to believe it is morally right, and, at the same time, favorable to, or, at least, not against, our interest, to transfer the African to his native clime, and we shall find a way to do it, however great the task may be” (Morgan, 1993).  Lincoln’s words indicate that he did not want free black folks in America at all.  Next, slavery in the South will be examined.

Slavery in the South

Was slavery truly rampant in the South?  Morgan (1993) states that less than a third of white Southern folks were connected to slavery including those who hired slaves from the owners of other humans.  Less than 2,300 out of one and a half million white families owned 50 or more slaves to be considered wealthy and influential.  Slavery in the North will be considered next.

Slavery in the North

Was slavery non-existent in the North?  The political, cultural, and economic fabric of the Northern states was woven with slavery from the beginning (Livingston, 2010).  In 1638, enslaved Indians were exchanged for the first African slaves who were brought to New England.  New Englanders sold slaves throughout the Western Hemisphere for 164 years (Livingston, 2010).  It seems that slavery was not exclusive to the South.   Next, some Lincoln quotes about the institution of slavery will be presented.

Abraham Lincoln and Slavery

In order to alleviate Southern fears about Lincoln eradicating slavery he wrote some published letters.   To Missouri Republican’s editor Lincoln said “I could say nothing which I have not already said, and which is in print and accessible to the public” (Morgan, 1993).  President Lincoln penned to Alexander H. Stephens “do the people of the south really entertain fears that a Republican administration would, directly or indirectly, interfere with their slaves, or with them, about their slaves? If they do, I wish to assure you, as once a friend, and still, I hope, not an enemy, there is no cause for such fear” (Morgan, 1993).  Editor of the New York Tribune, Horace Greeley, received a letter from Lincoln that stated “he was not ‘pledged to the ultimate extinction of slavery,’ and that he did not ‘hold the black man to be the equal of the white” (Morgan, 1993).  In his inaugural address, Lincoln stated that "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the states where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so", and "no state, upon its own mere motion, can lawfully get out of the Union" (Morgan, 1993).  A review of Lincoln’s own words indicate that he waged war on the South in order preserve the Union in lieu of freeing enslaved people.   Lincoln’s resettlement plans will be summarized next.

Plans for Resettlement

President Lincoln supported a plan to colonize Negros outside of American main land.  Several hundred thousand acres of the Chiriqui region in present day Panama were obtained by Ambrose W. Thompson who proposed that free black folks in America could be settled there to mine the abundant coal (Morgan, 1993).  The plan was to allow the US Navy to buy their coal so that the profits could be utilized for the black colony’s sustenance, and to establish rice, sugar, coffee, and cotton plantations (Morgan, 1993).  United States commercial dominance of tropical America would also be accomplished with this plan.  Charles Wesley, a black historian, reported that “Although Lincoln believed in the destruction of slavery… he desired the complete separation of the whites and blacks. Throughout his political career, Lincoln persisted in believing in the colonization of the Negro" (Morgan, 1993).  It seems like the plan of the Chiriqui Resettlement was to isolate the black Americans in a hot climate while requiring the same work they were doing for the plantations owners with the additional work of dangerous coal mining in order to survive.  Next, the Emancipation Proclamation will be considered.

 

 

Chiriqui Resettlement Abraham Lincoln Telegraph https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=t7pjvzbg&id=C89643D6DB835C31D39231A6DB8FE902F364E53B&q=Abraham+Lincoln+Telegraph&simid=608002121601122764&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0

Emancipation Proclamation

Did the Emancipation Proclamation actually free any slaves?  Lincoln issued the final Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day, 1863 which did not immediately free a single slave.  Confederate slaves were freed while those in lands under the Union’s control remained in servitude (Morgan, 1993).  Secretary Seward noted that the Proclamation “emancipated slaves where it could not reach them, and left them in bondage where it could have set them free” (Morgan, 1993).  Allan Nevins is an historian who stated that "the popular picture of Lincoln using a stroke of the pen to lift the shackles from the limbs of four million slaves is ludicrously false" (Morgan, 1993).  Lincoln asserted that the Emancipation Proclamation was necessary military move; in fact, it is recorded that he said "Understand, I raise no objections against it [slavery] on legal or constitutional grounds ... I view the matter [emancipation] as a practical war measure, to be decided upon according to the advantages or disadvantages it may offer to the suppression of the rebellion" (Morgan, 1993).  He thought that the slaves would create turmoil in the South as they were helping the Confederates with the work while the men were at war.  It seems that the Emancipation Proclamation did not free any slaves.  Union “Contrabands Camps” will be presented next.

 

Emancipation Proclamation

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=mhDOJM1b&id=3E2BFA8B4A6349B3AF4162F165110B23C21DD438&q=emancipation+proclamation+original+document&simid=608016647174882257&selectedIndex=12&ajaxhist=0

“Contraband Camp” Atrocities

What happened in the Union “Contraband Camps”?  Runaway slaves and those seized with the Confiscation Acts were held in “Contraband Camps”.  In 1963, Confederate President Jefferson Davis stated that "there is little hazard in predicting that in all localities where the enemy have a temporary foothold, the Negroes, who under our care increased sixfold ... will have been reduced by mortality during the war to no more than one-half their previous number” (Morgan, 1993).  Even a Union officer declared that conditions in these camps were “frightful” and spoke of mortality rates as "most competent judges place it as no less than twenty-five percent in the last two years" (Morgan, 1993).  Although the number lost is not known, there were many who died and even more who suffered from neglect, exposure, and starvation (Morgan, 1993).  It is sad that even those who screamed for abolition of slavery could not or would not extend human decency to the slaves who were freed.   This author can continue with evidence of President Lincoln’s racism; however, it seems like enough data has been presented in order to move on.  Next, a cursory view of banker involvement in America will be presented.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=w0O2%2f7c9&id=6774565709D2BF6AF057B9D05DDE3B3717E0E30A&q=Union+contraband+camps&simid=608036296655112991&selectedIndex=1&ajaxhist=0

The Role of Private Bankers in America

In order to comprehend the role of private bankers in America it is most logical to start at the beginning.  The new country of the United States gained economic freedom from private banks after the Revolution by issuing its own value based monetary system (Rivera, 2017).  With this new economic system, Americans were no longer subject to the interest-bearing bank notes of private banks such as the Bank of England that functioned to siphon the wealth of the American people.  In 1790, Mayer Amschel Rothschild famously stated “Let me issue and control a nation's money and I care not who makes the laws" (Rivera, 2017).  Then in 1791, Alexander Hamilton helped the Rothschilds establish the private central bank known as the First Bank of the United States. 

Rothschild Threatens America

Within 20 years America’s economy was ruined while the bankers were flourishing which caused Congress to refuse to renew the bank charter.  Nathan Mayer Rothschild threatened the US government because they desired to return to a value based currency that cut bankers out of the money system of America.  Nathan Rothschild’s threat stated "either the application for renewal of the charter is granted, or the United States will find itself involved in a most disastrous war" (Rivera, 2017).  When Rothschild realized his first threat was ignored by Congress he further stated that he would “teach those impudent Americans a lesson! Bring them back to colonial status!" (Rivera, 2017).  The wife Mayer Amschel Rothschild and the mother to his five sons, Gutle Schnaper, stated "If my sons did not want wars, there would be none" (Rivera, 2017).  Although these threats were not immediately acted upon it is possible that the famous bankers had a “bone to pick with” America.

The War of 1812 and Further Debt Plunge

The war of 1812 was provoked by Britain in hopes of recolonizing America when Rothschild’s Bank of England financed England at virtually no interest.  Although US remained free, war debt forced Congress to issue a new charter for public currency to be issued by another private bank thus establishing the Second Bank of the United States (Rivera, 2017).  Poverty, unemployment, and debt spread across the United States again due to private central bank predations.

“Jackson and No Bank!”

Andrew Jackson won his second bid for the Presidency with the slogan “Jackson and No Bank!” in 1832, and later he foiled the charter renewal for the Second Bank of the United States (Rivera, 2017).  A failed assassination attempt was made on Andrew Jackson shortly after he paid off the bank debt and ended the bank’s charter.

Buchanan Survives Assignation Attempt

         

The private central bank was also opposed by President James Buchanan.  In 1857’s panic, he required all bank notes that were issued to be backed by Federal Government assets and attempted to limit banks from granting loans that surpassed their funds (Rivera, 2017).  President Buchanan survived arsenic poisoning that killed 38 of the people who ate that meal with him.

President Lincoln Refuses Loans

         

The bankers offered Abraham Lincoln loans at 30% interest to fund the plight to get South back into the Union when the Confederacy seceded.  It is reported that he said that he “would not free the black man by enslaving the white man to the bankers”, and we know that he created greenbacks to use as currency (Rivera, 2017).  A London Times article records a harsh reply to Lincoln’s decision not to involve the private bank; it states "if this mischievous financial policy, which has its origin in North America, shall become endurated down to a fixture, then that Government will furnish its own money without cost. It will pay off debts and be without debt (Rivera, 2017). It will have all the money necessary to carry on its commerce. It will become prosperous without precedent in the history of the world. The brains, and wealth of all countries will go to North America. That country must be destroyed or it will destroy every monarchy on the globe (Griffin, 2007, para.5).  President Lincoln was assassinated shortly after his announcement to continue using greenbacks.

Lincoln Quotes About Money and Banks

"I have two great enemies, the Southern Army in front of me and the bankers in the rear. Of the two, the one at my rear is my greatest foe." -- Abraham Lincoln

"The money power preys upon the nation in times of peace and conspires against it in times of adversity. It is more despotic than monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, and more selfish than bureaucracy." -- Abraham Lincoln

"The Government should create, issue, and circulate all the currency and credits needed to satisfy the spending power of the Government and the buying power of consumers. By the adoption of these principles, the taxpayers will be saved immense sums of interest. Money will cease to be master and become the servant of humanity. " -- Abraham Lincoln (Rivera, 2017)

The Morrill Tariff Act

         

The Morrill Tariff Act seems to have had a great impact on the Southern states’ decisions to secede.  Scruggs (2005) claims that although slavery was one issue of the Civil War, there may not have been a war without the Morrill Tariff Act.  Prior to 1860, unjust taxation exploited the agricultural South to enrich the North’s manufacturing states.  In May of 1860 the U. S. Congress passed the Morrill Tariff Bill 105 to 64 with only one 1 Tennessee Congressman out of 40 Southern Representatives voting yay.  The Morrill Tariff raised “the average tariff from about 15% to 37% with increases to 47% within three years” (Scruggs, 2005, para.9).  Scruggs (2005) also explains that the South was paying 87% of United States’ tariff revenues with 80% of these revenues being spent on Northern industrial subsidies and public works before the Morrill Tariff Act.  Lincoln signed the Morrill Tariff Act into law a few days after he was inaugurated.  The manner in which tariffs affected the South and North will be briefly explained next.

GOP poster in 1880 hails past achievements and future protection, based on high tariff https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=PAqyDA1J&id=C1623B909CFF3806AD6CC0E99ED51BDBE6775AE1&q=confederate+tariff+law&simid=608052136494631937&selectedIndex=6&ajaxhist=0

Tariff Effects

Were tariffs really unfair to the Southern states?  Scruggs (2005) explains that there was not a U.S. income tax before the Civil War so 90% of the government’s revenue came from tariffs placed don imported goods.  Selected imports such as manufactured or finished products are commonly taxed in the form of a tariff to protect domestic industry and raise money.  The tariff makes foreign goods more expensive so that domestic makers can charge more for the same goods and make more money which, in turn, lowers the standard of living because consumers are forced to pay higher prices.  Southern commerce and cost of living was raised considerably while Northern industries were protected by tariffs.  The trade value for European agricultural exports were also reduced by tariffs (Scruggs, 2005).  

 

US cartoon 1888 from Puck magazine http://en.citizendium.org/wiki/File:%7EPROTECT.jpg

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 University of Virginia. Retrieved from

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 http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/fort-sumter.html?tab=facts

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 http://www.civilwar.org/…/primarys…/declarationofcauses.html

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 http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/judah-benjamin

Lee, Robert E. (20 April, 1861). Letter to General Winfield Scott. Museum

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          Historical Review,(Vol. 13, No. 5), pages 4-25. Retrieved from

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 http://www.ihr.org/jhr/v13/v13n5p-4_Morgan.html

Rivero, Michael. (2017). ALL WARS ARE BANKERS' WARS! What Really

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 http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/.../allwarsarebankerwar...

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