The American Civil War and European  Democracy Cover Image
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The American Civil War and European Democracy
The American Civil War and European Democracy

Author(s): Forrest Nabors
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Editura Universitatii LUCIAN BLAGA din Sibiu
Keywords: American Civil War; European Democracy; Slavery; Republicanism; Modern Political Development

Summary/Abstract: The 150th anniversary of the American Civil War just passed. Although European armies did not participate in the conflict, the future of European democracy depended on the outcome. The American war that lasted from 1861 to 1865 tested whether republicanism (or democracy) would survive in the United States. The most prominent difference between the two warring sides in that conflict was that slavery was widespread on one side, and was abolished or limited on the other side. However, another major difference between them was political. The widespread practice of slavery had transformed government in the southern states with the result that a few ruled over the many. But in the northern states where slavery was abolished, republican government prospered. Thus, the American Civil War was an inter-regime war between republicanism against oligarchy. This war was important in the international context because in that era, democracy faced many challenges in Europe and aristocracy was strong. The establishment of the rebel Confederacy in America presented European aristocrats with a natural ally. The republican victory over oligarchy in the American war meant that the strength of the American nation could later aid the advance of democracy in Europe and the world.

  • Issue Year: 1/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 128-142
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English