The American Civil War: Anglo-French Intervention?

Half_Life_Expert#4276

It has been quite a while, but I now present the next What if/Could It? thread.

I don't think this is a big topic when the American Civil War (ACW) is discussed, but I would like to discuss it.

The Confederacy, as we all know, was lobbing the British and French Empires for diplomatic recognition of the CSA as well as military support, at the very least wanting the Royal Navy to attack the Union naval Blockade of the south.

The British and the French, as well as some other European powers, did sent military observers to both sides.

Obviously, the key factor that the CSA believed could win their argument was their belief in the importance of their cotton exports, but the British acquisition of India (prior to 1857 it was controlled by the East India Company, not the government) and Egypt meant that southern cotton was not as vital as before.

So, I put forward this rather open-ended multi part question:

A) "With regard to the American Civil War, could the Confederacy have successfully been able to get France and/or Britain to join the war on their side? What would have been the requirements for this to occur?"

"If so, what could these two European powers have realistically done? (I.e. would it just have been a naval campaign against the US Navy, or could their have been major land forces committed)"

C) "Assuming there was full Anglo-French Intervention, how would the other major powers have reacted? Could Russia have responded by entering the war on the side of the Union? Could Prussia or Austria or even the Ottomans have seen any opportunities with Britain and France committed to a war in North America?"

As with all of my threads here, although I have never said it, feel free to do some research if you wish before responding, this one I think would require at least looking up some stuff as it is, like I said, not discussed much.


I think this could be a very interesting one, and I have a related idea for the next thread.

ShinoGH

Doing research for this question.

Good lord.

My brain is beginning to hurt.

daelin4#9896

Half Life Expert wrote: »

A) "With regard to the American Civil War, could the Confederacy have successfully been able to get France and/or Britain to join the war on their side? What would have been the requirements for this to occur?"

No, because joining the war naturally meant declaring war on the United States, something neither country had any interest in doing so, plus public sentiment would have considered it outrageous. Both sides did try to do a bit of business side deals though. War's a racket.

Half Life Expert wrote: »

"If so, what could these two European powers have realistically done? (I.e. would it just have been a naval campaign against the US Navy, or could their have been major land forces committed)"

In the event that these two countries actually did join the war, they'd have to break or run the blockade set up by US fleets, and neither would have had the resources to do so, especially if they remained at odds with eachother. IMO, if war occurred, the US would likely have tried to collude with either country to fight eachother or worse other nations like the Germans and even Spain to try to take sides Either way the United States boasted economic power that would have made any takers for the Confederacy's list of allies to hesitate: no need to stir the pot and awaken the big fish when it's not really considered your fight.

Half Life Expert wrote: »

C) "Assuming there was full Anglo-French Intervention, how would the other major powers have reacted? Could Russia have responded by entering the war on the side of the Union? Could Prussia or Austria or even the Ottomans have seen any opportunities with Britain and France committed to a war in North America?"

I doubt these powers would be interested in the outcome of the war, even if Britain and France joined in. During this time Russia, Austria and Prussia Germany had their own problems and war in such a far away place would not have been popular with anyone.

Half_Life_Expert#4276

I now realize this thread has come to somewhat of a dead end, so ill post the next thread shortly