This document summarizes the changing narratives around the causes and outcomes of the American Civil War over time. It discusses how the South initially seceded to protect slavery, while the North fought to preserve the Union. After the Emancipation Proclamation, the goal of freeing slaves became more central to the North's efforts. However, after Reconstruction ended, the dominant view in the South was the "Lost Cause" narrative that portrayed the war as being over states' rights rather than slavery. This narrative was increasingly challenged in the 20th century by the Civil Rights Movement.

1. The Civil War in the
Age of Civil Rights
Dr. Bruce Clary
Monday, January 26, 2013

2. As the South seceded in 1860-61, it did so
to protect its institution of slavery

3. As the North geared up for war in 1861, it
did so to preserve the Union, not to abolish
slavery

4. As the war progressed, the Emancipation
Cause became ascendant
•Soldiers’ increased exposure to slaves changed attitudes
•Military failures dictated broadening of purpose

5. In the years following the war, the South
embraced one Northern cause and rejected
the other
•Embraced Union
•Rejected basis of Emancipation

6. By 1876, Northerners wearied of protecting
African American rights in the South

7. In the interest of reconciliation, the North
passively acquiesced

8. Lost Cause narrative dominates through
Gone with the Wind
•Tragic war fought to defend states’ rights
•North’s superior resources carried the day
•Slavery a burden for ruling race, but benign for slaves
•Union victory a blessing, laying foundation of American
greatness
•Reconstruction vindictive and ill-judged

9. After War World II, Lost Cause comes
under attack
•Black soldiers experience social freedom
•Black intellectuals become vocal
•Civil rights activists open wounds

10. In the 1960s, nation celebrated centennial
of Civil War
•Cold War
•Civil Rights Movement

11. The South in 1960 resembled the South of
1860

12. But the Civil War Centennial Commission
thought it could keep celebration focused
on Reconciliation themes

13. Centennial activities were intended to unite
American against communism

14. Doing so required marginalizing the
Emancipation Cause; otherwise, Southern
whites would be alienated

15. The Reconciliation focus derailed by the
centennial’s collision with the Civil Rights
Movement

16. Jubilee, Glory, Roots, The Autobiography of Miss
Jane Pittman, and Ken Burns’ The Civil War
the literary and popular media
manifestations of the re-emergence of the
Emancipation Cause