Were Any of the United States Neutral During the Civil War? An In-Depth Exploration

The American Civil War, spanning from 1861 to 1865, was a critical period in U.S. history, seen as a major conflict between the Union and the Confederacy. However, the status of neutrality among the states is often a topic of discussion. This article delves into the complexities of how certain states and groups navigated their roles during the war, with a particular focus on Kentucky and the concept of border states.

The Case of Kentucky

Perhaps one of the most notable instances of attempted neutrality during the Civil War was the state of Kentucky. Situated as a border state, Kentucky's position was particularly nuanced. Officially, the state did not secede from the Union and thus remained under federal control. However, its contributions to the war effort were limited, leading many to question its true neutrality.

The Confederate Invasion

Despite its attempts to remain neutral, the Confederate army under the leadership of General Leonidas Polk initiated an invasion into Kentucky. This move was aimed at forcing the state to align with the Confederacy. In response, Kentucky sought assistance from the Union and eventually fought on its behalf.

Historian David S. Heidler states, 'In terms of troop numbers, the Union had at least a 2:1 advantage over the Confederacy in Kentucky, paving the way for their eventual victory.'

The Border State Phenomenon

The term ‘border states’ refers to several slave states that did not secede from the Union, including Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware. These states maintained a degree of neutrality but often faced internal division as factions supported both the Union and the Confederacy.

West Virginia’s Path to Union

The creation of West Virginia during the Civil War, in 1863, represents a significant example of how states could shift their allegiances. Originally part of Virginia, this new state quickly aligned itself with the Union.

Native American Tribes’ Loyalities

Native American tribes, such as those in the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), demonstrated varying loyalties. The example of the Cherokee Nation illustrates this complexity, with factions supporting both sides of the conflict.

International Neutrality

Outside of the United States, various countries maintained a stance of neutrality. Notable among these were Great Britain and France, whose economic interests influenced their positions. However, their neutrality was far from absolute as economic and political considerations often dictated their stance.

American Mormon Communities and the Civil War

Some Americans, particularly those from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as Mormons, chose to avoid the conflict altogether. My ancestors, who were Mormons, opted to migrate to Utah in the 1840s after experiencing persecution from other Americans, both Northern and Southern.

When the Civil War began, the Mormon community in Utah viewed the conflict as 'God’s judgment on both sides.' As a result, my ancestors were not involved in the conflict. Noteworthy was the situation at Fort Douglas near Salt Lake City, which saw the federal military presence withdrawal during the war. Gespr?che: Alleine

Despite this, the federal government recruited California volunteers to fill the garrison after the conflict arose, a move that highlighted the mistrust held by these communities.

Conclusion

While no state managed to remain completely neutral, many, such as the border states, attempted to navigate the complexities of the Civil War through a mixture of neutrality and internal division. The experiences of Kentucky and the Mormon community in Utah serve as compelling case studies in how different groups coped with the conflict.

The American Civil War was a defining moment in U.S. history, with the nation grappling with profound issues of states' rights, slavery, and a divided loyalties. As seen through the lenses of both official records and personal stories, the concept of neutrality remains a fascinating subject of study.