Johnson Proclaims End to Confederate Belligerent Rights
May 9th, 1865
May 9th, 1865

How Long Ago?
159 years, 10 months, 6 days ago
Location
United States
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
American Civil War
People
- Andrew Johnson
Links & References
Tags
Johnson Proclaims End to Confederate Belligerent Rights
President Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation that formally ended the recognition of belligerent rights for the Confederate States. This significant directive mandated foreign nations to either intern or expel any ships representing the Confederate government. The proclamation aimed to diminish any remaining support or legitimacy that the Confederacy might receive from international actors in the wake of the Civil War's conclusion.
Johnson aimed to cut foreign support for Confederacy.
Proclamation affected international recognition of rebels.
Formally nullified any belligerent rights of Confederates.
Significant shift in U.S. foreign policy post-Civil War.
What Happened?
President Andrew Johnson's proclamation, issued shortly after the end of the Civil War, marked a decisive moment in the relationship between the United States and the international community regarding the status of the defeated Confederate States. In his statement, Johnson declared that the once-recognized belligerent rights of the Confederacy were now null and void due to their rebellion against the Union. This legal shift had implications for foreign trade and naval operations, as it instructed foreign nations to treat Confederate ships as either enemy vessels or individuals seeking unlawful trade. The proclamation was an attempt to reassert the United States' sovereignty and discourage any foreign support or recognition of Confederate aspirations. Johnson's message was particularly aimed at the nations of Europe, who had at times considered intervention or support for the Confederacy primarily due to economic interests tied to cotton production.
The proclamation further solidified the idea that the Union had prevailed, thus ensuring that the Confederacy would no longer be seen as an entity deserving of diplomatic treatment or normal military rights. The ramifications of Johnson’s directives also pointed to a larger theme in post-war America: the reconciliation of the North and South and the establishment of an integrated national identity. The abandonment of belligerent rights not only affected the military strategies of remaining Confederate ships but also carefully maneuvered the United States’ relations with significant global players, particularly Britain and France, who had shown interest in the outcome of the Civil War. It signaled a clear warning against any support for remnants of the Confederacy, thereby aiding in the broader goals of Reconstruction.
Why Does it Matter?
This proclamation was critical in reasserting the United States' authority over foreign nations and highlighting the end of the Civil War era. By curtailing the belligerent status of the Confederacy, Johnson aimed to prevent any resurgence of Confederate influence and promote unity within the United States. The move was instrumental in aligning foreign policies with America’s new post-war agenda.
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