Introduction

Historical events surrounding the American Civil War present numerous questions, such as why certain states joined the Confederate cause while others did not. This article delves into the factors that led Missouri, a slaveholding state, not to join the Confederacy despite its proximity to southern states, while Kentucky, also a slave state, did.

Factors Influencing Secession

The decision of whether a state would secede and join the Confederacy was influenced by several factors, primarily the percentage of the population that was enslaved, economic ties, and geographic location. The tipping point in slaveholding tended to be around 20% of the population. Beyond this point, the necessity to preserve and protect slave interests often drove states to secede.

The Case of Missouri

Support for Slavery in Missouri

Missouri's slave population did not reach the critical threshold of 20%, which significantly reduced the influence of pro-slavery interests. The state was divided into regions with varying levels of slaveholding. South of the Missouri River, which roughly divides the state, were more concentrated slaveholders, whereas the northern regions had far fewer and often smaller slaveholdings.

Influence of Immigrants in St. Louis

St. Louis, the largest city in Missouri, played a crucial role in maintaining the state's loyalty to the Union. This was due to a large immigrant population of Germans, who brought with them a strong antislavery sentiment from their home country. This demographic factor created a significant counterbalance to pro-slavery forces within Missouri, helping to keep the state aligned with the Union.

Geographic Boundaries and Alliances

Missouri's geographic position was another critical factor. The state was more connected to northern states and territories, both to the east and north, due to its positioning along the Missouri River and close proximity to Illinois. This proximity and the economic ties that Missouri maintained with these northern states made it less likely to secede.

Institutional Conflict and Anti-Secession Efforts

During the secession crisis, attempts were made to form a pro-secession legislature in Springfield. However, these efforts were met with strong opposition from anti-secessionists. They established a pro-Union government, which effectively drove the secessionists out. By the end of the war, the pro-Confederate forces had relocated to Arkansas, reinforcing Missouri's loyalty to the Union.

The Case of Kentucky

Similarities with Missouri

Kentucky, like Missouri, had both slaveholding and antislavery areas, creating internal divisions within the state. However, key events and decisions ultimately led to Kentucky's alignment with the Union. Despite not seceding, Kentucky's proximity to the Confederate states and its internal division also contributed to its less stable position compared to Missouri.

No Legitimate Separation

While both Missouri and Kentucky had secessionist legislators who declared their states to be out of the Union, these declarations were not credible. The Confederacy, dominated by those who were less tactically sound and faced military defeats, did not gain significant support in either state beyond its narrow margins.

Factors Specific to Kentucky

One of the critical events that influenced Kentucky's stance was the Battle of Perryville in 1862, where Confederate General Bragg's forces were decisively defeated. This victory and the subsequent indecision of the Confederate leadership solidified Kentucky's alignment with the Union.

Conclusion

The factors that led to Missouri not becoming a Confederate state while Kentucky did are multifaceted and rooted in both social and geographic circumstances. Missouri's lower percentage of slaveholding, the presence of a strong antislavery immigrant population in its largest city, and its geographic proximity to northern states provided it with a stable foundation to remain loyal to the Union. In contrast, although the same factors were present in Kentucky, pivotal battles and the indecisiveness of Confederate leadership tipped the balance in favor of Kentucky's continued allegiance to the Union.