Copperheads

Copperheads were a faction of Democrats in the Northern United States during the American Civil War who opposed the war and wanted an immediate peace settlement with the Confederates. The term "Copperhead" was a pejorative used by their opponents, the Union supporters, likening them to the venomous snake, the copperhead, which strikes without warning. Copperheads were also called "Peace Democrats" and were active from about 1861 to 1865.

Origins and Beliefs

The Copperheads emerged from the Democratic Party, particularly in states such as Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. They were composed mainly of farmers, laborers, and Irish immigrants who were concerned about the economic competition from freed slaves if the Union won the war. The Copperheads advocated for states' rights and were critical of the Lincoln administration's suspension of certain civil liberties, such as the right to a fair trial. They believed in the doctrine of Popular Sovereignty as a means to resolve the issue of slavery.

Activities and Influence

Copperheads organized anti-war demonstrations and rallies, and they were influential in local and state elections. They supported candidates who advocated for peace and negotiated settlements. The most prominent Copperhead was Clement Vallandigham, a congressman from Ohio, who was arrested in 1863 for violating a military order by expressing anti-war sentiments. His arrest and subsequent banishment to the Confederacy made him a martyr to the Copperhead cause.

Copperheads also attempted to influence Union soldiers to desert and encouraged resistance to the draft. Their activities were viewed by Union supporters as treasonous, particularly their alleged involvement in secret societies such as the Knights of the Golden Circle, which aimed to establish a pro-slavery empire in the Southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Impact and Legacy

The influence of the Copperheads waned towards the end of the Civil War as Union victories made their cause seem increasingly hopeless. After the war, the term "Copperhead" faded from use, but the faction's existence highlighted the deep divisions within the Northern states over the issue of the Civil War and the broader question of slavery.

The legacy of the Copperheads is complex. They are remembered for their opposition to the war and their challenge to the suspension of civil liberties. However, their sometimes sympathetic stance towards the Confederacy and their obstruction of the war effort have led to a predominantly negative view of their role in American history.