Defections in the American Civil War: A Closer Look at Union and Confederate Defectors
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a time of deep division within the United States. Despite the scale and intensity of the conflict, defections did occur, but the numbers were relatively small compared to the overall size of the respective armies. This article delves into the factors that led to these defections, providing a detailed examination of soldiers from both the Union and Confederate sides who switched their allegiance.
Union Defectors: A Small but Significant Group
While the number of Union soldiers who switched sides during the Civil War was not substantial, it was still a noteworthy phenomenon. Several factors contributed to these defections, including personal beliefs, disillusionment with the war, and regional ties.
Some soldiers who hailed from border states or areas with divided loyalties, such as Kentucky or Tennessee, might have been more prone to switching sides. Additionally, there were instances where Confederate prisoners of war joined the Union army after being captured, a situation known as "recruitment from southern POW ranks."
Galvanized Yankees: A Distinct Group of Confederate Defectors
One particularly interesting group of defectors was the so-called "Galvanized Yankees," which consisted of approximately 5,600 Confederate soldiers who took an oath of allegiance to the United States and later switched sides to the Union. According to historical records, a significant number of these soldiers were recruited from southern prisoners of war, forming up to 8 regiments and 5 official regiments under the United States Volunteer Infantry (USVI) program.
Case Studies: Personal Accounts of Defection
A poignant example of a defection during the American Civil War is the story of the author's great-grandfather, who served in the Confederate army. After the Civil War ended with the surrender at Appomattox, he became intensely bitter and sat daily in the living room, cursing the Confederacy and expressing his disappointment in their actions. He publicly declared, "They lied to me!" and expressed deep regret for fighting on the wrong side.
However, it is important to note that this defection may not have been driven by anti-racism. Although one of the author's great-uncles was a fervent racist and Kluxer, not all family members held such views. It is also worth mentioning that in northern Jackson Co., West Virginia, where the author's great-grandfather was from, the entire population, including several slaveholders, turned pro-Republican and pro-Lincoln shortly after the Confederate troops occupied the region and mistreated the locals, accusing them of being Yankee sympathizers.
This case study illustrates the complex and often polarizing nature of the civil war experiences. While the author's great-grandfather's experience can be seen as a personal betrayal of his initial loyalty, the broader impact of Confederate actions in the region highlighted the sense of betrayal and the shift in political and social loyalties among the population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the scale of the American Civil War, defections did occur, albeit on a smaller scale. The factors leading to these defections included disillusionment, personal beliefs, and regional ties. The case of the "Galvanized Yankees" provides an interesting look into the dynamics of defection among Confederate soldiers, while personal accounts such as the author's great-grandfather's story highlight the personal and political complexities of such defections during this historic period.
Further Reading
For those interested in learning more, there are numerous scholarly articles, books, and documents that explore this topic in greater detail. Key resources include historical journals, war diaries, and reports that document the experiences of soldiers and the impact of the war on individual communities.