ClassX Video Lessons Debunking the myth of the Lost Cause: A lie embedded in American history – Karen L. Cox
Between 1860 and 1861, eleven southern states decided to leave the United States and form their own nation, called the Confederate States of America. They did this because they were worried about the growing movement to end slavery across the country. For example, Mississippi openly stated that their decision was closely linked to slavery, while South Carolina pointed out that non-slaveholding states were hostile toward slavery. In March 1861, Alexander Stevens, the Vice President of the Confederacy, made it clear that the new Confederate government was built on the idea of white supremacy. He claimed that slavery and the subordination of Black people were the “natural and normal condition” in America and the main reason for the conflict. Just weeks after his speech, the American Civil War began, lasting four years, causing about 750,000 deaths, and ending with the Confederacy’s defeat.
By 1866, shortly after the war ended, some southern sources started to claim that the conflict wasn’t really about slavery. Meanwhile, Frederick Douglass, a well-known abolitionist and former enslaved person, warned that the spirit of secession was stronger than ever. Confederate leaders had clearly stated that the war was about slavery, but a new version of history began to emerge, known as the Lost Cause. This cultural myth was popularized by Edward Pollard, a pro-Confederate journalist, who published “The Lost Cause: A New Southern History of the War of the Confederates” in 1866. Pollard argued that the U.S. Constitution allowed states to govern themselves independently, except in areas specifically designated for the national government. He claimed that the Confederacy was defending states’ rights rather than slavery, reframing the defense of slavery and white supremacy as a patriotic defense of the Constitution.
The Civil War had left the country devastated, and those who supported the Confederacy sought to justify their actions. Many pro-Confederate writers and political leaders quickly adopted and spread the Lost Cause narrative. One organization, the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), played a significant role in passing these ideas to future generations. Founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1894, the UDC brought together thousands of middle and upper-class white southern women. They raised funds to build monuments to Confederate soldiers, often unveiled with large public ceremonies and prominently placed, especially on courthouse lawns. The Daughters also placed Confederate portraits in public schools and monitored textbooks to downplay the horrors of slavery and its significance in the Civil War, passing revisionist history and racist ideology down through generations. By 1918, the UDC claimed over 100,000 members and expanded their influence outside the South, with Presidents William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson meeting with UDC members and allowing them to memorialize the Confederacy in Arlington National Cemetery. The UDC continues to exist and defends Confederate symbols as part of a noble heritage of sacrifice by their ancestors.
Despite a wealth of primary sources indicating that slavery was the root cause of the Civil War, the myth of states’ rights persists today. After the war, Frederick Douglass and his abolitionist contemporaries feared that erasing slavery from the history of the Civil War could hinder the government’s ability to protect the rights of Black Americans—a concern that has repeatedly proven valid. In an 1871 address at Arlington Cemetery, Douglass stated, “We are sometimes asked in the name of patriotism to forget the merits of this fearful struggle, and to remember with equal admiration those who struck at the nation’s life, and those who struck to save it—those who fought for slavery and those who fought for liberty and justice. […] If this war is to be forgotten, I ask in the name of all things sacred, what shall men remember?”
Research the primary reasons behind the secession of the southern states and the start of the Civil War. Create a presentation that highlights the role of slavery as a central cause, using primary sources such as speeches and documents from the era. Present your findings to the class, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical truths.
Participate in a class debate on whether the Civil War was primarily about states’ rights or slavery. Use evidence from historical documents and speeches to support your arguments. This activity will help you critically analyze the Lost Cause narrative and understand the complexities of historical interpretation.
Read excerpts from Edward Pollard’s “The Lost Cause” and other pro-Confederate writings. Analyze how these texts attempt to reshape the narrative of the Civil War. Write a reflection on how these myths have influenced American history and society, and discuss your thoughts with your peers.
Create a project that explores the role of monuments in shaping public memory. Research Confederate monuments and their impact on communities. Design a monument or art piece that you believe would more accurately represent the history and legacy of the Civil War, and present your design to the class.
Choose a historical figure from the Civil War era, such as Frederick Douglass or Alexander Stevens. Research their views and contributions to the period. Participate in a role-playing activity where you engage in a discussion or debate from the perspective of your chosen figure, helping you to better understand the diverse viewpoints of the time.
Between 1860 and 1861, 11 southern states withdrew from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America. They seceded in response to the growing movement for the nationwide abolition of slavery. Mississippi stated that their position was closely tied to the institution of slavery, while South Carolina cited hostility from non-slaveholding states toward slavery. In March 1861, Alexander Stevens, the Vice President of the Confederacy, proclaimed that the cornerstone of the new Confederate government was white supremacy, asserting that slavery and the subordination of Black people were the “natural and normal condition” in America and the “immediate cause” of the conflict. Just weeks after this speech, the American Civil War began, lasting four years and resulting in approximately 750,000 deaths, ultimately ending in the Confederacy’s defeat.
By 1866, shortly after the war ended, some southern sources began to claim that the conflict was not actually about slavery. Meanwhile, Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist and formerly enslaved person, warned that “the spirit of secession is stronger today than ever.” The reasons for the war, as articulated by Confederate leaders, were clear—it was about slavery. However, a revisionist history began to emerge, known as the Lost Cause, a cultural myth about the Confederacy. The term was coined by Edward Pollard, a pro-Confederate journalist, who published “The Lost Cause: A New Southern History of the War of the Confederates” in 1866. Pollard argued that the U.S. Constitution granted states the right to govern themselves independently, except in areas explicitly designated for the national government. He claimed that the Confederacy was defending states’ rights rather than slavery, effectively reframing the defense of slavery and white supremacy as a patriotic defense of the Constitution.
The Civil War had devastated the country, leaving those who supported the Confederacy seeking to justify their actions. Many pro-Confederate writers and political leaders quickly adopted and spread the narrative of the Lost Cause. One organization, the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), played a significant role in transmitting these ideas to future generations. Founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1894, the UDC united thousands of middle and upper-class white southern women. They raised funds to build monuments to Confederate soldiers, often unveiled with large public ceremonies and prominently placed, especially on courthouse lawns. The Daughters also placed Confederate portraits in public schools and monitored textbooks to downplay the horrors of slavery and its significance in the Civil War, passing revisionist history and racist ideology down through generations. By 1918, the UDC claimed over 100,000 members and increased their influence outside the South, with Presidents William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson meeting with UDC members and allowing them to memorialize the Confederacy in Arlington National Cemetery. The UDC continues to exist and defends Confederate symbols as part of a noble heritage of sacrifice by their ancestors.
Despite a wealth of primary sources indicating that slavery was the root cause of the Civil War, the myth of states’ rights persists today. In the aftermath of the war, Frederick Douglass and his abolitionist contemporaries feared that the erasure of slavery from the history of the Civil War could hinder the government’s ability to protect the rights of Black Americans—a concern that has repeatedly proven valid. In an 1871 address at Arlington Cemetery, Douglass stated, “We are sometimes asked in the name of patriotism to forget the merits of this fearful struggle, and to remember with equal admiration those who struck at the nation’s life, and those who struck to save it—those who fought for slavery and those who fought for liberty and justice. […] If this war is to be forgotten, I ask in the name of all things sacred, what shall men remember?”
Civil War – A war between citizens of the same country. – The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal conflict in United States history, primarily over the issues of slavery and states’ rights.
Slavery – The practice of owning people as property and forcing them to work without pay. – Slavery was a central issue leading to the American Civil War, as the Southern economy heavily depended on enslaved labor.
Confederacy – A league or alliance, especially of confederate states. – The Confederacy was formed by Southern states that seceded from the Union in 1860 and 1861, leading to the Civil War.
Lost Cause – An ideology that romanticizes the Confederate cause and downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War. – The Lost Cause narrative emerged after the Civil War, portraying the Confederacy’s efforts as noble and justified.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding history is crucial for learning from past mistakes and shaping a better future.
States’ Rights – The rights and powers held by individual US states rather than by the federal government. – The debate over states’ rights versus federal authority was a significant factor leading to the Civil War.
Racism – Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior. – Racism has been a persistent issue throughout history, influencing social and political structures worldwide.
Abolitionist – A person who advocated or supported the abolition of slavery in the U.S. – Abolitionists played a crucial role in the movement to end slavery, using speeches, writings, and activism to promote their cause.
Narrative – A spoken or written account of connected events; a story. – The narrative of the Civil Rights Movement highlights the struggle for equality and justice in the United States.
Heritage – Property that is or may be inherited; a special or individual possession; an allotted portion. – Cultural heritage includes traditions, languages, and artifacts passed down through generations, shaping a community’s identity.
