Introduction
The Mississippi River is a critical artery of North America, stretching across the continent and forming a major tributary of the Gulf of Mexico. As such, its surroundings has formed and been reshaped a rich historical narrative for centuries. Specifically, many Confederate States of America border the Mississippi River in the time before, during and after the Civil War – the events of which continue to shape the social climate of the United States today. In order to gain a better understanding of this history and its contemporary significance, it is important to explore the nature of the Confederate States that bordered the Mississippi River.
History of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
The Confederate States that formed along the Mississippi River began to emerge in the early 1800s. It was during this period that Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas all emerged as distinct states in their own right. Attempts to secede from the Union were first made in 1861, when seven states declared themselves to be the Confederate States of America. Out of these states, five were located along the Mississippi River – Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Function of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
Whilst the Confederate States that bordered the Mississippi River held a shared desire to separate from the Union and declare their own independence, the practical implications of their secession were far more nuanced and varied. For instance, for Mississippi, the primary purpose of seceding was to protect and preserve slavery, something that other states such as Tennessee valued more highly than economic prosperity and external independence. The presence of pro-Unionists in Kentucky was also something that begged for special consideration, as secession in this state could not be deemed a national priority for the Confederacy.
Economic Ramifications of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
Ultimately, the economic ramifications of the Confederate States bordering the Mississippi River have been largely felt in the South. For instance, the long-term effects of slavery still reverberate in the state of Mississippi today, with the state recognised by experts as having some of the worst levels of poverty and inequality in the US. In addition, Missouri and Tennessee are still playing catch-up with their regional counterparts, with their economies not yet having fully recovered since their secession from the Union.
Contemporary Significance of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
The long-term consequences of the Confederate States that bordered the Mississippi River still define the region today and influence the ways of life of citizens across the US. In this respect, the implications of secession cannot be underestimated. Although the economic benefits of secession from the Union have proved elusive for Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, the majority of citizens in these states share a strong sense of pride for the Confederacy and for their role in the Civil War.
Social Implications of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
Alongside the economic realities of secession and the long-term consequences of slavery, the presence of Confederate States along the Mississippi River has also been highly contested across social and cultural contexts. For instance, the Confederate Battle Flag was reinstated in Mississippi in 1894 and is still widely used today by Confederate supporters and social revolutionaries alike. Although the flag has been behind multiple protests from African American citizens, a great many Southern states continue to fly it on their flag poles to symbolise the Confederate legacy.
Conclusion of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
Ultimately, the presence of the Confederate States along the Mississippi River has proven highly diverse, with many pursuing secession for dissenting motives and all having experienced different outcomes of the Civil War. Today, their economic and social legacies still reverberate in the region, with the Confederate Battle Flag appearing as a constant reminder and call to action. In light of these factors, it is clear that an understanding of the origins and implications of the Confederate States is essential in order to understand the history and contemporary significance of the Mississippi River today.
Religious Implications of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
Religious freedom is a foundational part of the United States, and it became a dividing line during the secession of multiple states in the South. The state of Mississippi had already established a hostile political stance towards non-Protestants even before the war, adopting stringent laws to limit the number of Catholic churches and schools. Additionally, certain Protestant sects, such as the Church of Christ, promulgated harsh anti-Catholic policies and actively sought to outlaw the papacy in Mississippi. This stance has popular support in the state, and has engendered a distinct religious culture along the Mississippi River that privileges Protestant doctrine at the expense of others.
Political Spheres of Influence of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
When assessing the political implications of the Confederate States along the Mississippi River, it is important to consider the overriding philosophies of each region. For instance, Mississippi has continued to advocate strongly for limited government, with the state being recognised as having the least federal spending per capita over the past decade. Conversely, Louisiana has been far more eager to engage with the federal government, with this state spending significantly higher amounts per capita. This contrast in attitude towards politics extends to other areas, such as the attitude of citizens in Mississippi towards African Americans and progressive policies.
Education and Healthcare in the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
The importance of education and health care in the Confederate States of America on the Mississippi River has been continuously discussed in an age of equality and access. Mississippi in particular has had trouble closing the gaps in educational achievement, specifically in math and reading scores,and is still lacking adequate infrastructure to support health care. Arkansas has had the advantage of its own state-run insurance marketplace, Connect the Health Arkansas, since 2016, with the state’s east-west corridor being a major beneficiary – regional residents are now able to gain government-subsidised insurance and access to lower-cost care.
Cultural Impact of the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
A distinctive culture has blossomed along the Confederate States of America on the Mississippi River, from the musical and culinary traditions of Louisiana to the traditional crafts of states such as Mississippi. The rich and varied history of the region has been drawn together to create a unique culture, with music, art and literature being the main tools for expression. In this respect, each state provides a special contribution to the culture of the wider Mississippi region, with each playing an important part in the continuation of traditions and the preservation of values.
Tourism in the Confederate States on the Mississippi River
Tourism is one of the main ways through which the Confederate States on the Mississippi River can generate revenue and boost their regional economy. Indeed, the warm climate, natural beauty and friendly people of the region appear to attract both domestic and international tourists alike. This influx of travellers often goes hand-in-hand with a desire to experience the cultural heritage of the region – explorations of local churches and restaurants, witnessing traditional music and craftwork and visiting museums dedicated to the history of slavery are all popular pursuits amongst tourists travelling to the Southern States.
