Delaware's Decision: Why a Small Slave State Did Not Join the Confederacy
Understanding Delaware's Unique Position During the Civil War
Delaware, a slave state on the Mason-Dixon line, was unique in its decision to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War. Despite having a small but significant number of slave owners, Delaware never joined the Confederacy and remained a part of the United States. This article explores the reasons behind this decision, examining the state's demographics, strategic position, and the political dynamics of the time.
Demographics and Politics
Before the Civil War, efforts to abolish slavery in Delaware were unsuccessful due to the political influence of a small but powerful group of slave owners. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, only applied to the Confederate states and did not affect Delaware and other border states.
Strategic Importance and Loyalty to the Union
The decision to remain loyal to the Union was influenced by several key factors. First, Delaware's small slave population meant that the state had more to lose if it joined the Confederacy. Second, Delaware was strategically surrounded by Northern states, particularly after the North established control in Maryland. Tens of thousands of Union troops in Washington DC and Maryland made it difficult for Delaware to consider secession. Lastly, as a small state, Delaware lacked the military and logistical capability to resist invasion from larger Northern states such as Pennsylvania or New York.
The Impact of Economic and Moral Considerations
Beyond political and strategic considerations, economic and moral factors also played a role in Delaware's decision. Delaware contributed several regiments of infantry and one regiment of heavy artillery to the Union, further solidifying its loyalty. Even after the war, slavery in Delaware continued until the passage of the 13th Amendment in December 1865.
Missed Opportunity for Compensated Emancipation
A noteworthy fact is that Delaware was one of the sites of an experiment that might have averted the Civil War. In 1861, Delaware defeated a proposed bill that would enable gradual compensated emancipation. In contrast, a similar law was defeated in Maryland, and such legislation was enacted in the District of Columbia under federal jurisdiction. The slave states, including Delaware, opposed compensated emancipation primarily due to financial concerns, but a successful implementation could have drastically reduced the costs and casualties of the Civil War.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delaware's decision to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War was a complex outcome of demographic, strategic, and moral considerations. Despite its small slave population, the state's attachment to the Union was stronger due to economic and political factors that made secession unfeasible.