Foreign Policy

William Seward and the Trent Affair

Week of Dec 18, 1861 - Dec 24, 1861 by David Coles

The Lincoln Administration strives to negotiate an end to the continuing Trent Affair, and avoid a war with Great Britain.

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Posted in Foreign Policy, Politics | 14 Comments

Meeting of the Federal Congress and Lincoln’s State of the Union Message

Week of Nov 27, 1861 - Dec 3, 1861 by Charles Ross

In Lincoln’s first annual message to congress, he seeks to persuade foreign powers that their best interests will be met by helping defeat the Confederate rebellion rather in aiding it.

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Generals in the West, Confederate Congress Meets

Week of Nov 13, 1861 - Nov 19, 1861 by David Coles

The saga of Confederate diplomats John Slidell and James Mason continues, while further command changes take place among Union generals in the west, and the Provisional Confederate Congress meets in Richmond.

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Mason and Slidell Seized by Federal Navy

Week of Nov 6, 1861 - Nov 12, 1861 by Charles Ross

En route to Europe, Mason and Slidell are taken from a British ship, generating international outrage.

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Posted in Foreign Policy | 5 Comments