Lecture Notes: The "Lost Cause" Movement and its Influence

Introduction to "Lost Cause" Movement

• The "Lost Cause" is a distorted version of American Civil War history prevalent in the South.
• Emerged after the Confederate States' defeat, often glorifying the Confederate cause.
• Key tenets include:
  • Glorification of Confederate soldiers.
  • Belief in slavery as a benevolent institution.
  • Denial that slavery was the war's root cause.

Role of Historians and Early Promoters

• Southern historians like Edward Pollard and Gen. Jubal Early shaped early narratives.
• Framed Confederate cause as a defense against Northern forces.

Influence of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC)

• Founded in Nashville in 1894 to preserve Confederate culture.
• Descendants of elite Southern families, exerting social and political influence.
• Spread the pro-Southern version of history as "real history."
• Notable for:
  • Erecting Confederate memorials and monuments.
  • Using fundraising and lobbying to place monuments in public spaces.
• Membership peaked in the early 20th century with 100,000 members.

UDC's Strategy and Impact

• Focused on commemorating the war as Confederate veterans died off.
• Built the narrative of the Lost Cause as historical fact.
• Successfully lobbied for Confederate Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.
• Core efforts targeted children.

Education and Textbooks

• UDC targeted educational materials to shape children’s perception.
• Published pamphlet "A Measuring Rod for Text-Books" by Mildred Rutherford.
• Textbook review committee rejected Northern-influenced texts.
• Promoted textbooks aligning with Lost Cause ideology, e.g., "History of Georgia."
• Influenced generations who became segregationists.

Children and the Lost Cause

• Formed "Children of the Confederacy" group.
• Activities included:
  • Reciting "Confederate Catechism."
  • Learning Southern patriotic songs.
  • Writing essays and visiting veterans.
• Children involved in monument unveilings.

Decline and Legacy

• UDC's influence waned post-WWI, but the impact endured.
• Monuments remained and textbooks were used until late 1970s.
• UDC's activities perpetuated Lost Cause memory.

Conclusion

• Confederate monuments' perception shaped by UDC efforts.
• Ongoing influence in Southern memory and identity.