Life In the Confederacy

When the Confederacy was formed, opinion in the South was strongly united. Only about 10 per cent of the population opposed the war; such opposition as existed was found mainly among poorer whites. Most Southerners favored fighting, if necessary, until independence was secure. Many, however, foresaw only a short war. As the South had long cherished a military tradition and the ideals of chivalry and gallantry, its people faced the approaching struggle with enthusiasm and optimism.

Despite preparations for war, life in the South was not seriously disrupted for most people in the early months. Hopes were high for prompt foreign recognition of the Confederacy and for swift victory over the Union in battle. Some 100,000 men met the first call for volunteers for the Confederate army. The withdrawal of these men from the labor force did not immediately affect the economy. Women took over management of farms and plantations. Also, the slave-labor system continued throughout the war. Although there were runaways and minor revolts, there never was a general slave insurrection.

After the first year, the situation was one of progressive deterioration for the underpopulated, underindustrialized, and underfinanced Confederacy. The hardships of war were evident in some localities in 1862. By 1863 distress was widespread. Food and clothing shortages were common. The Northern blockade of Southern ports had become increasingly effective, cutting off supplies from the rest of the world. Inadequate transportation facilities hampered distribution of what food was available. Education was seriously disrupted as a result of a shortage of teachers and textbooks.

The failure of Confederate finances led to rampant inflation. The Confederate dollar was worth less than five cents by 1864. While a few unscrupulous speculators made substantial profits, most salaried people suffered greatly. Particularly needy were the families of soldiers; a private's pay was only about $18.00 a month. In rural areas, many people were forced to turn to bartering.

Discontent with the Confederate government arose over various issues. When conscription (the draft) was instituted in 1862, lower-class whites resented exemptions given to the upper classes. Almost from the beginning of the war, food and equipment shortages forced the Confederate army to impress (to take for public use) property from the citizens. Payment was generally late, if it came at all, and at war's end, the government owed its citizens half a billion dollars. Among states' rights advocates, there was bitter opposition to the increasing centralization of the Confederate government. The highly individualistic Southerners also resented the infringements on their civil liberties necessitated by the prolonged war.

Being the war's battleground, the South was the scene of immense devastation. All sections did not suffer equally, but suffering was universal. The civilian population struggled to obtain the very necessities of life while often caught between two warring armies. Cities and towns in battle zones were left in ruins; civilians became refugees. Whatever could be of use to the Confederate military—crops, livestock, equipment, barns, rail lines, and bridges—generally was either confiscated or destroyed by advancing Northern troops. Slaves liberated by Northern victories found themselves adrift and unwanted.

As the horrors of war multiplied, there was a growing feeling that continuation of the struggle was futile. By 1865 nearly two-thirds of the men in the Confederate army had given up fighting, leaving their regiments to return to salvage what was left of their homes. Most Southerners did not blame the army for the loss of their cause but held the political leaders responsible.