Confederate States of America
Learn about the Confederate States of America, its formation during the American Civil War, key leaders, and historical significance.
What Was the Confederate States of America?
The Confederate States of America (often called the Confederacy) was a group of 11 southern states that seceded (withdrew) from the United States between 1860 and 1861. They formed their own country because they disagreed with the northern states about issues including states' rights and the institution of slavery.
The Confederacy existed from 1861 to 1865 during the American Civil War. They created their own government, wrote their own constitution, and elected their own president. However, the United States government did not recognize the Confederacy as a separate country.
Did You Know?
The Confederate States of America had three different capital cities during its existence: Montgomery, Alabama; Richmond, Virginia; and Danville, Virginia.
Secession: Why States Left the Union
Secession means to formally withdraw from a political organization or alliance. Southern states began seceding from the United States after Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860. Southern leaders were concerned that Lincoln would try to end slavery, which was important to their agricultural economy.
South Carolina was the first state to secede on December 20, 1860. By February 1861, six more states had joined them. After the Civil War began in April 1861, four more states seceded, bringing the total to 11 Confederate states.
Lincoln's Election
Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 worried southern states about the future of slavery
First Secession
South Carolina seceded first in December 1860, followed by six other states
Confederacy Forms
The Confederate States of America officially formed in February 1861
Jefferson Davis: President of the Confederacy
Jefferson Davis was elected as the first and only president of the Confederate States of America. Before the Civil War, Davis had served as a U.S. Senator from Mississippi and as Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce.
As Confederate president, Davis faced many challenges including managing the war effort, dealing with shortages of supplies, and maintaining unity among the Confederate states. After the Civil War ended, Davis was captured and imprisoned for two years, though he was never tried for treason.
Jefferson Davis
Born: June 3, 1808
Home State: Mississippi
Role: President of the Confederate States of America (1861-1865)
The American Civil War
The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 between the United States (called the Union) and the Confederate States of America. The war began when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina on April 12, 1861.
The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history, with approximately 620,000 soldiers killed. The Union eventually won the war, and the Confederate states were gradually readmitted to the United States during the Reconstruction era (1865-1877).
War Begins
Confederate forces attack Fort Sumter, starting the Civil War
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues proclamation freeing slaves in Confederate states
War Ends
General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House
Reconstruction
Confederate states gradually rejoin the United States
The Confederate States
The Confederate States of America consisted of 11 states that seceded from the United States. These states were:
First to Secede (1861):
- South Carolina
- Mississippi
- Florida
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Texas
After Fort Sumter (1861):
- Virginia
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
In addition to these 11 states, the Confederacy also claimed Kentucky and Missouri, though these states had divided loyalties and never fully seceded from the Union.
Confederate States Quiz
Test your knowledge about the Confederate States of America! Answer all 5 questions to see how much you've learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the Confederate States of America:
Historical Trivia
Discover interesting facts about the Confederate States of America and the Civil War!
Confederate Constitution
The Confederate Constitution was similar to the U.S. Constitution but emphasized states' rights and explicitly protected the institution of slavery.
Three Capitals
The Confederacy had three different capital cities: Montgomery, Alabama (first capital); Richmond, Virginia (main capital during the war); and Danville, Virginia (final capital).
Confederate Flag
The most familiar Confederate flag (the rectangular battle flag) was never the official national flag of the Confederacy. The Confederacy actually had three different national flags during its existence.
Population Difference
The Union had about 22 million people compared to the Confederacy's 9 million (including 3.5 million enslaved people). This population advantage helped the Union win the war.
