Lecture Notes: The "Lost Cause" and the United Daughters of the Confederacy
Introduction
Textbook Example: "History of Georgia" textbook (1954) described slavery in a distorted, romanticized way.
Concept of the Lost Cause: An intellectual movement promoting a distorted version of American Civil War history, prevalent in the South.
Origins and Key Figures
Post-Civil War South: The "Lost Cause" narrative began after the Confederate defeat.
Key Historians: Edward Pollard and Confederate Gen. Jubal Early.
Narrative:
Confederate cause as heroic defense of Southern life.
Glorification of Confederate soldiers.
Slavery depicted as benevolent.
Denial of slavery as the root cause of the war.
Role of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC)
Foundation: Established in Nashville, 1894.
Objectives: Preserve Confederate culture and promote the "Lost Cause".
Monument Erection:
Placed memorials in prominent public spaces.
Increased influence in the early 20th century.
UDC had 100,000 members by early 20th century.
UDC's Educational Influence
Textbook Influence:
Promoted pro-Southern narratives in textbooks.
"A Measuring Rod for Text-Books" pamphlet.
Textbook review committee with former Confederate generals.
Rejected books not aligning with Southern "truths".
Children of the Confederacy:
Auxiliary group for children in former Confederate states.
Involved in reciting "Confederate Catechism".
Activities included essays, visits to veterans, and historical recitations.
Long-term Impact
Identity Formation: UDC shaped children's identities in the South.
Continued Legacy:
Monuments and textbooks persisted until late 1970s.
Influenced segregationist beliefs in the 1950s and 60s.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts: While UDC's influence waned after WWI, their established monuments and educational imprints continued to perpetuate the "Lost Cause" narrative.
Implications: Understanding the UDC's role is crucial when discussing the intent and impact of Confederate monuments today.