may i gently suggest that ANY reading of most any college-level, "survey of European history", textbook will point out that European powers had no designs on ANY portion of the USA after the War of 1812. (France did briefly place Maximilian on the "throne of Mexico". had ANY of "the powers" WISHED to invade the USA, they would have done so DURING the WBTS.)
free dixie,sw
The Federalist Papers have plenty to do with the subject of union and keeping it strong- I used it to make a point and I’m sorry you missed it. Truly.
I will “gently” suggest that you make no assumptions about people you don’t know. I AM a historian and can assure you, my personal library- well kept and fully read- of American and European history is one I am proud of. I “gently suggest” you re-read your OWN history books, should you have any. Prior to the end of the Civil War, France and GB (in particular) played both sides, waiting to see who would win. IF the South had won, they were more than prepared to take advantage of the damage left behind in pursuit of their own interests. It is only when the North won, maintaining the Union, that they backed off. Great Britain was most especially currying favor with the South, even as they declared their “neutrality”. There were great resources in this country and they were not disposed to give up completely. Remember that GB had reason to feel continuing animus, and that didn’t change any time soon, even AFTER the war. The working people may have sided with the North and the anti-slavery issue, but the upper classes and the media in GB were definately in the South’s pocket and would remain there until the south won. I wonder if the south would have lasted a year by itself...?
France couldn’t wait to supply the south with weapons. This was out of the goodness of it’s heart?
May I suggest “A History of the American People” by Paul Johnson and “American Foreign Relations- A History To 1920” by Thomas G Paterson, et al.
You have still not provided any facts of your own or references, rather, simple barbs based, I am sure, on emotion.
In the meantime, I find your smarmy tone to be offensive and consider this exchange at an end. You seem to be unable or unwilling to provide any information to support your points.