Why Did Delaware Not Join the Confederacy?

The decision of Delaware to remain with the Union during the American Civil War was complex, influenced by a combination of economic, cultural, and political factors. Though officially a slave state, Delaware was significantly different from other southern states in terms of its attitudes towards slavery and its ties to the Union.

The Demographics of Slavery in Delaware

While Delaware was indeed a slave state, it put itself at a unique advantage compared to its neighboring states. As early as 1810, only 50 out of the 10,000 black residents were slaves, with around 20,000 being free Blacks. By 1860, the number of slaves had risen to 1,800, still representing a much smaller portion of the total population than in other southern states. This statistic paints a picture of a unique relationship with slavery that set Delaware apart in the pre-Civil War era.

Economic Factors and the Slave Trade

Slavery was indeed legal in Delaware, but it was a highly regulated and diminishing institution. The state was historically a leading hub for the slave trade, but the Confederate Constitution explicitly forbade the continuation of this lucrative commerce. This created a significant economic disincentive for Delaware to join the Confederacy. The state was making a substantial profit from the trade, and the prospect of losing this income was sufficient to keep them loyal to the Union.

Political and Cultural Influences

Politically, Delaware was deeply influenced by its neighbors, particularly the northern states. The state had a close alliance with the Union, with strong economic and cultural ties. Delmarva, the peninsula shared with Maryland and Virginia, also had economic interdependencies that further cemented Delaware's resolve to remain part of the Union. Culturally, the state was more aligned with northern values and practices, which contrasted significantly with the predominantly agrarian and southern-centric Confederate states.

Complicated Views on Slavery

Interestingly, Delaware was not as progressive on the issue of slavery as one might think. Slavery was technically legal, but the state's legislature struggled to pass anti-slavery laws. Attempts to abolish slavery multiple times were narrowly defeated, and it wasn't until after the Civil War that the state ratified the 13th Amendment. This long period of indecision and inaction on the issue of slavery shows that while Delaware did not fully support the institution, it was also not strongly committed to its abolition.

Popular Sentiment and Secession

The sentiment towards secession in Delaware was predominantly negative. Outright secession was unpopular, and even those with Confederate sympathies were a minority. Some Delawareans did support the Confederate cause, but these were pockets of support rather than widespread endorsement. The geographic reality of being situated between Washington, D.C., and the Northern states created a strong incentive to remain loyal to the Union. This strategic location further reinforced the political calculus against secession.

Conclusion

Delaware's decision to remain with the Union during the Civil War was a result of a combination of economic interests, political alignment, and cultural influences. While the state was a slave state, its unique position and circumstances set it apart from its southern counterparts. The decision was not based solely on the morality of slavery but was influenced by a complex mix of factors that ultimately led to its rejection of secession.