Wisconsin Before the War Between the States

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, I would like to honor my great-great grandfather Michael McDonald in a series of blogs including his written accounts of his Civil War experiences.

Wisconsin, in the year 1860, was a fledgling state just a dozen years past the inception of statehood. Economic problems and political conflicts plagued the state and the response to the abolition movement and the call to defend the union were met with a mixture of substantial vigor and patriotism, and conversely, revolt and apathy.

The state’s populace was made up primarily of eastern Yankees and newly settled Europeans and totaled 775,881. Although a few slaves had been used in the mining industry, less than 1% of the population had been born in the slave states. Blacks of African descent totaled 1,171 (1860 census), less than .2% of the total population. Almost all blacks in Wisconsin were American born. Native American populations were not accurately enumerated. Germans, Norwegians, and Irish were the primary immigrants with most people living along Lake Michigan or in the southern counties and clustered in groups with others of their own nationality. This diverse population reacted differently to the abolition movements of the 1850’s.

Wisconsin had become a leader in state’s rights in defying federal authority and opposing the institution of Negro slavery. Additionally, liberals and reformers who fled Germany after collapse of the revolutionary movements of 1848 actively supported abolition. On the other hand, many Wisconsinites had no use for abolitionists. Negrophobia abounded among the foreign-born residents.

Some newspapers fueled the bias. They editorialized that the state’s Republicans were “know nothings” who believed that the Negros were born to command equally with native white men—superior to the German, French and English races. They insinuated that political equality would mean social equality. One Madison paper asked, “Shall Negroes marry our sisters and daughters and smutty wenches be married to our brothers and sons?”

The Republican papers countered these raw racial slurs. One paper declared “All men are created equal” is the first proposition in our political catechism and there is no reason why the few hundred persons of African descent who reside in Wisconsin should be denied its benefits, except a stupid prejudice, which every sensible man ought to be heartily ashamed of.”

But the state’s economy caused people to fear for their livelihood. Most German and Irish Americans feared emancipation of the slaves would release a flood of cheap labor into the North, cutting living standards even lower.

Times were difficult. The banking system was unstable and there was significant political conflict between the Dems and Republicans including temperance issues.

For the election of 1860, Dems were split within their party—some supporting Stephen Douglas while those loyal to Buchanan felt obligated to oppose Douglas. Republicans were confident.  Abe Lincoln’s name wasn’t even mentioned even though he had visited Milwaukee, Beloit and Janesville.  Closer to the election, Republicans became more inclined toward supporting the Lincoln ticket. They approved of the homestead and ‘no slavery in the territories’ platform. They identified with Lincoln who was a Westerner and common man. Republicans carried the state.

Lincoln’s election brought immediate action by South Carolina to call special conventions for secession. Then Alabama and Mississippi followed as well as other deep Southern states.

Wisconsin residents worried and disagreed about the action that should be taken by the government in response to Southern secession.  They echoed Horace Greeley who said “let the wayward sisters go in peace.” But Wisconsin Governor Alexander Randall said, “Wisconsin would never consent to a disunion of the States.” He opposed slavery and secession. Randal could foresee the coming war. He urged the legislature to strengthen militia laws and ready the state for war.

In 1860, 42 uniformed volunteer companies at various levels of efficiency were organized and armed. They were comprised of free white males from 18-45. But they were far from ready for war. The main purpose of these companies seemed to be to manufacture military titles for aspiring politicians. On the local level, they were social clubs and parade units. The companies obtained their own uniforms which varied in color. The state was to supply muskets for infantry and cannons for artillery units. The typical company seldom met to drill but Wisconsin was in a a better position of readiness to meet Lincoln’s call for troops than any other Midwest state.

Word reached Milwaukee and Madison on April 14, 1861 that South Carolina troops attacked Fort Sumpter. Lincoln called for 75,000 troops to address the “insurrection.” Newspapers whipped up emotion and citizens sponsored war or indignation meetings. All ideas of compromise were dismissed. The slavery issue was overshadowed. The rebels had started the war and Wisconsinites vowed that right must prevail. They were ready to go to battle for honor. Patriotism and loyalty boomed. Once organized, troops left to the sound of church bells, bands, cheers and, of course, tears.

There were many reasons why men enlisted. Some for the money—soldier’s pay and the bounties offered. Some sought adventure and travel, even the free food. Patriotism and personal achievement were also motivators.

Not all men were eager to enlist. Some were cynical. They felt the war didn’t serve the Union, just the officers, speculators and dealers. They didn’t want to fight for the Negroes. Emancipation didn’t concern many soldiers, but for those that it did, it didn’t necessarily mean they had sympathy for the slaves. Some felt slavery was the cause of the rebellion and should be abolished, but they wanted to get rid of both slaves and the Negro and favored colonization. They objected to having freed blacks among them.

The war both unified and divided the populace. Soldiers joined in comradeship, but not always in purpose. They differed in why they fought, in their response to the South, and their opinions of the southern people. Citizens and troops disagreed about army politics, party politics and military leadership. The stories of Wisconsin’s response to abolition, slavery and the Civil War are as many-faceted as the people themselves.

My next post will share the personal war-time experiences of my g-g-grandfather Michael McDonald, in his own words.

Click here for next entry.