this post was submitted on 19 Feb 2026
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History Memes

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[–] PugJesus@piefed.social 33 points 1 day ago (7 children)

Explanation: During the US Civil War, the pro-slavery Confederacy repeatedly attempted to get European countries, like Britain and France, to recognize and support them. For a brief period of time, the British government even considered intervening in the war - getting one over on the Americans and getting cheap cotton? What's not to love?

... but the British public, including the electorate, was staunchly abolitionist by this time, and abhorred the thought of supporting a rebellion to prolong slavery in any way, shape, or form. For this reason, the British government had to tread lightly with its 'foreign policy interests', lest the next election be a massacre, leaving the Confederacy isolated and alone until its ignominious and much-deserved death four years later.

[–] RobotToaster@mander.xyz 29 points 1 day ago (2 children)

It's worth noting the British PM at the time was also staunchly abolitionist, he just really hated America.

[–] RickyRigatoni@piefed.zip 7 points 1 day ago

Living rent free since 1776 lmao

[–] Mim@lemmy.zip 5 points 1 day ago
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