The "Lost Cause" and the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC)

Introduction to the "Lost Cause"

• The "Lost Cause" is a distorted version of American Civil War history prevalent in the South.
• Emerged after the defeat of the Confederate States.
• Prominent Southern historians like Edward Pollard and Gen. Jubal Early were key figures in promoting this narrative.
• Key tenets:
  • Glorification of Confederate soldiers.
  • Slavery portrayed as a benevolent institution.
  • Denial of slavery as the root cause of the Civil War.

Textbook Excerpt Example

• Example from "History of Georgia" (1954): Portrays slavery as benign and enjoyable for slaves.
• Reflects the "Lost Cause" ideology.

Role of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC)

• Founded in 1894 in Nashville.
• Aimed to preserve Confederate culture and "real history".
• Composed of women from elite antebellum families.

Activities and Influence

• Erected numerous Confederate monuments across the South.
• Monuments placed in public spaces, courthouses, and state capitols.
• By early 20th century, UDC had 100,000 members, mostly in former Confederate states.

UDC's Educational Influence

• Focused on shaping children's perceptions of the Civil War and Southern heritage.
• Utilized textbooks as a primary tool.
• Promoted pro-Confederate textbooks and influenced school boards.

Educational Tools

• "A Measuring Rod for Text-Books" pamphlet by Mildred Rutherford.
• Textbook review committee included five former Confederate generals.
• Called for rejection of textbooks not favorable to the South.
• Recommended labeling non-conforming books as "Unjust to the South".
• Example of influence: "History of Georgia" by E. Merton Coulter.

Formation of Children of the Confederacy

• Auxiliary group for children to participate in Confederate history.
• Included recitations from the "Confederate Catechism".
• Activities included singing Southern patriotic songs, writing essays, and visiting veterans.

Legacy of the UDC

• UDC's efforts deeply rooted the "Lost Cause" in Southern identity.
• Influenced generations to uphold segregationist views.
• Despite losing influence after WWI, their impact persisted.
• Confederate monuments and textbooks remained until the late 1970s.

Conclusion

• UDC's goal was to cement the "Lost Cause" as historical fact.
• The narrative continues to influence perceptions of Confederate monuments.