By: Jamie Wright
Updated: Dec. 31, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 30, 2020
I’ve heard people insist, both in person and online, that the Civil War wasn’t primarily about slavery. They often urge others to “learn their history” and stop believing what “they” say. When I first encountered this claim, I used to ask, “If it wasn’t about slavery, then what was it about?” The responses usually included phrases like “states’ rights,” “economic factors,” or “northern aggression.”
However, the Secession Papers, drafted when Southern states left the Union, clearly state that their “right” to maintain slavery was a central reason for their secession. Given the straightforward nature of this historical documentation, it’s perplexing that such arguments still exist. A 2011 Pew Research study revealed that 48% of respondents believed the Civil War was fought over “states’ rights,” while only 38% acknowledged it was primarily about slavery.
So, where does the notion that the Civil War “wasn’t about slavery” originate? One of the most significant contributors to this false narrative is the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). This organization has shaped the perceptions of many Americans, particularly in the South, fostering a more sympathetic view of those who fought for the Confederacy, including those who sought to maintain slavery for their own benefit.
Who are the United Daughters of the Confederacy?
Established in 1894, the UDC claims to be the oldest patriotic lineage organization in the United States. Their stated goals include honoring those who served the Confederate States, preserving historic sites linked to Confederate history, and collecting materials for an accurate account of the War Between the States.
Most notably, the UDC is recognized for its involvement in erecting and defending Confederate monuments. While they assert their intentions are to honor history, their agenda appears to extend beyond mere preservation, hinting at a desire to romanticize a painful past. Can there be valor in fighting to uphold human enslavement? The answer is only if one chooses to ignore the actual reasons for the conflict.
The UDC’s Historical Revisionism
The UDC is particularly notorious for placing hundreds of Confederate statues throughout the South and staunchly defending them when they faced criticism for their racist implications. However, their influence reaches far beyond mere monuments. They played a crucial role in shaping school curricula and history textbooks across the southern states.
In the early 1900s, the UDC placed numerous Confederate portraits and flags in public schools, hosted essay contests on topics like “The Origin of the Ku Klux Klan,” and created a pamphlet called “A Measuring Rod to Test Text Books” in 1919. This document, produced by the Rutherford Committee, explicitly advised rejecting any educational materials that suggested the South fought to preserve slavery.
Over decades, the UDC lobbied successfully to fill southern schools with textbooks that obscured or altered the truth about the Civil War. The influence of UDC members was significant; their affluent status enabled them to sway educational authorities.
For instance, a textbook used in North Carolina from 1911 to the 1940s presented a misleading narrative about slavery, claiming that most enslaved individuals were “comfortably clothed” and “kindly treated.” Such distortions have had a lasting impact.
The Repercussions Today
A considerable portion of the U.S. population mistakenly believes that the Civil War was fought over ambiguous “states’ rights,” viewing the South as a victim rather than as a perpetrator of slavery. Generations of children—estimated at around 70 million—were taught these false narratives during the Jim Crow era, leading to the persistence of myths that distort historical understanding.
These misconceptions often come with an air of superiority, creating a barrier to honest discussions about systemic racism. If a southerner believes that slavery was not as bad as portrayed or that the North was the aggressor, how do they respond to conversations about race and justice? How do such beliefs influence their decisions in power, including hiring practices?
Beliefs shape reality, and the UDC continues to exist today, albeit with a softened message. Despite their waning influence, they still promote inaccuracies that mislead many Americans regarding a pivotal moment in history. It’s crucial to recognize the harm caused by this organization and to leave these outdated views behind.
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Summary:
The United Daughters of the Confederacy have played a significant role in shaping misconceptions about the Civil War, particularly regarding its connection to slavery. Their influence on education and public perception has perpetuated false narratives that continue to affect discussions around racism and history today. It is essential to confront these inaccuracies and understand their impact on contemporary society.
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