In 1861, seven Southern states seceded from the Union to create the Confederacy, an event that precipitated the start of the American Civil War. As the North and the South battled over issues of slavery and states' rights, a handful of states decided to part with the United States and enter into the Confederate States of America. These Confederate states included South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana. Soon after, more states in the South decided to join the Confederacy. Although the official flag of the Confederacy was the "Stars and Bars," there was confusion on the battle field because of its similarities to the Union flag. Before long, the Confederate battle flag, or the "Southern Cross," became the flag more commonly used. This Confederate battle flag is the one most people now associate with the Confederacy. The war between the Union and the Confederate armies lasted for four years, with most of the battles occurring in the Southern states. In the end, 600,000 soldiers died in the only war fought in the United States between opposing American forces. The history of this infamous war has become a subject of fascination for many people. Many people who are fascinated with military history, or the Civil War specifically, collect Confederate military memorabilia. Some popular artifacts include Confederate rebel swords, Confederate flags, Confederate money, and model cannons from the Confederate army. The Confederate flag is perhaps the most common piece of memorabilia, flown by many residents of the Southern states who consider the Civil War an important part of their country's history. |
