The Civil War Politics and the Creation of West Virginia

The Civil War, a cataclysmic conflict that tore the United States apart, had a profound impact on the political landscape of the nation. Beyond the battles and bloodshed, the war also triggered a series of significant political developments, including the formation of new states. One such state, West Virginia, was born out of the political complexities of the Civil War and the deep divisions within the state of Virginia.

Map of West Virginia

Antebellum Virginia and the Seeds of Division

Prior to the outbreak of civil war, Virginia was the largest state in the Union, spanning a vast and diverse landscape. However, beneath this superficial unity, deep divisions had long existed within the state. Western Virginia, primarily composed of mountainous and rural counties, harbored distinct economic interests and cultural attitudes from its eastern counterpart. While the east was dominated by plantation agriculture and a slave-based economy, the west relied heavily on small-scale farming and industry.

Seceding from Secession: The Civil War, Politics, and the Creation of West Virginia

by Eric J. Wittenberg

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These economic disparities were further exacerbated by geographical barriers, as the Appalachian Mountains effectively isolated the western counties from the political and social centers of eastern Virginia. As tensions between the North and South escalated, these divisions within Virginia became increasingly apparent. Western Virginians, largely opposed to secession and the preservation of slavery, found themselves at odds with the pro-Southern leanings of the eastern counties.

The Outbreak of War and the Division of Virginia

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Virginia's internal divisions reached a boiling point. The state's governor, John Letcher, aligned with the Confederate cause, leading to the secession of Virginia from the Union. However, a significant portion of western Virginians remained fiercely loyal to the Union and refused to recognize the authority of the Confederate government.

In response to this widespread Unionist sentiment, a group of western Virginians, led by Francis Pierpont, established the Restored Government of Virginia in Wheeling. This government, recognized by the federal government, claimed legitimacy as the true representative of Virginia within the Union.

Francis Pierpont

The Creation of West Virginia

The division within Virginia deepened as the war progressed, with both the Restored Government of Virginia and the Confederate government vying for control of the state. In 1863, the Unionists, with the support of the federal government, took the decisive step of creating a new state from the western counties of Virginia. This new state, named West Virginia, was officially admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863.

The creation of West Virginia was a significant political achievement for the Unionists, as it both weakened the Confederacy and solidified the Union's control over the Appalachian region. It also marked a permanent shift in the political landscape of Virginia, dividing the state into two distinct entities with vastly different political and economic trajectories.

Motivations Behind the Creation of West Virginia

Several key motivations drove the desire for the creation of West Virginia. Chief among these was the deep-seated opposition to secession and slavery among western Virginians. They believed that their interests and values were not represented by the pro-Confederate eastern counties and sought to establish their own independent state within the Union.

Economic factors also played a significant role. Western Virginians hoped that the creation of a new state would allow them to escape the economic dominance of the plantation-based economy of the east. They believed that self-governance would provide them with greater opportunities for economic development and prosperity.

Finally, geopolitical considerations were also at play. The federal government, recognizing the strategic importance of the Appalachian region, supported the creation of West Virginia as a means of securing control over this vital territory. By dividing Virginia, the Union could effectively weaken the Confederacy and extend its influence westward.

Consequences of the Creation of West Virginia

The creation of West Virginia had a profound impact on the course of the Civil War and the post-war period. It weakened the Confederacy by depriving it of a significant portion of its territory and resources. It also strengthened the Union by adding a new loyal state to its ranks.

The division of Virginia left a lasting legacy on the state's political and cultural identity. Eastern Virginia continued to be dominated by conservative values and a nostalgic attachment to the Old South, while West Virginia emerged as a more progressive and industrialized state. This divide persists to this day, shaping the political landscape and social dynamics of both states.

The creation of West Virginia was a transformative event in American history, born out of the political turmoil and social upheaval of the Civil War. Motivated by a deep-seated opposition to secession, slavery, and economic disparity, western Virginians seized the opportunity to establish their own independent state. The division of Virginia had a lasting impact on the course of the war, the post-war period, and the political landscape of the United States. West Virginia stands today as a testament to the enduring power of political divisions and the complexities of nation-building during times of conflict and change.

Seceding from Secession: The Civil War, Politics, and the Creation of West Virginia

by Eric J. Wittenberg

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20295 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE