Lincoln's Fight Against the British Empire

The Real Story of the Civil War

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Introduction

The video 1932 - A True History of the United States delivers a factual and authoritative recount of the United States’ trajectory during the 19th century, emphasizing the role of the British Empire in shaping key events surrounding the Civil War and beyond. It reveals how Britain actively sought to divide and weaken the U.S., driven by the desire to maintain global economic dominance through free trade and slavery. The Union’s victory and subsequent industrial rise posed a direct threat to British interests, setting the stage for global conflicts that would extend into the 20th century.

Summary

🌍 British Empire’s Strategic Interference in the Civil War

The British Empire played a central role in destabilizing the United States by backing the Confederacy. Britain, which relied on Southern cotton for its textile industry, saw the division of the U.S. as essential to maintaining its global dominance. British support for the Confederacy included arms supplies, diplomatic efforts, and financial backing, all aimed at weakening the Union and ensuring that the U.S. remained economically dependent on British free trade policies. Britain’s interest in sustaining the Confederacy was rooted in its reliance on cheap slave labor in the South, which supplied vital raw materials to British industries. By promoting the Confederacy’s cause, Britain sought to cripple the U.S. economy and maintain its control over international trade routes. 03:15 06:00

⚔️ Abraham Lincoln’s Fight to Preserve the Union

Abraham Lincoln’s presidency was defined by his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union against both domestic and foreign threats. He recognized that the Civil War was not just a conflict between North and South but part of a larger struggle against British imperialism. Lincoln understood that the British Empire, by supporting the Confederacy, sought to fracture the United States and reduce its growing industrial power. His leadership during the war, combined with his firm stance against slavery, was crucial in defeating the British-backed Confederacy. Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, orchestrated by British agents through John Wilkes Booth, was intended to destabilize the United States during its fragile post-war recovery. The plot, planned from Canada, was part of a larger British strategy to keep the U.S. from becoming a unified and powerful nation. 05:30 10:00

🚂 Post-War Industrialization and Protectionist Economic Policies

After the Civil War, the U.S. rapidly industrialized, adopting protectionist economic policies that Lincoln and his adviser, Henry Carey, had championed. These policies imposed high tariffs on foreign goods, particularly from Britain, which allowed American industries to flourish without competition. The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 symbolized the economic and geographic unification of the United States. This massive infrastructure project, connecting the eastern and western parts of the country, facilitated trade and strengthened the industrial power of the Union. The U.S. emerged from the Civil War as an industrial giant, surpassing Britain in manufacturing output within a few decades. The video highlights that this industrial boom would not have been possible without the protective tariffs that shielded American manufacturers from British competition. 12:00 14:45

The completion of the transcontinental railroad also served as a model for other nations. The American system of protectionism and industrial development became a blueprint for countries like Russia and Germany, which sought to replicate the U.S.’s economic success. 16:45

The Bering Strait Bridge, a visionary project from the 1890s, was also highlighted as a significant example of the global reach of American industrial influence. Russian engineers proposed connecting Russia and America via a rail bridge over the Bering Strait. Inspired by the success of the U.S. transcontinental railroad, this project symbolized a new era of global infrastructure, linking continents and promoting international trade through American-led industrial development. 16:45

🇺🇸 Spread of the American Economic System Globally

The American system, with its focus on protectionism, infrastructure development, and industrial growth, began to spread globally in the late 19th century. Russia, Germany, and Japan adopted similar economic policies, working closely with American engineers to develop their own national rail systems and industries. The Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, constructed with the assistance of American engineers, reflected the global influence of the U.S. economic model. This railway, which connected Russia’s vast territories, played a crucial role in the country’s industrial development. 16:45

Germany, under the leadership of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, also embraced American-style protectionism. Bismarck implemented high tariffs that fueled Germany’s industrial rise, positioning it as a major global power. Germany’s adoption of protectionist policies mirrored the success of the United States, further challenging British dominance in global trade. However, Bismarck’s dismissal in 1890 allowed for the British manipulation of European alliances, setting the stage for World War I. 18:30

Japan, too, looked to the American model as it industrialized in the late 19th century. By following the principles of national self-sufficiency and infrastructure development, Japan transformed itself into an industrial power, reducing its dependence on British-controlled trade routes. 17:00

🔥 British Response: Manipulation and World War I

The British Empire, recognizing the threat posed by the global spread of the American system, responded by orchestrating global conflicts to weaken rising industrial powers. Britain carefully manipulated alliances between European nations, including Germany, France, and Russia, to ensure that no single nation could rival British economic dominance. The video explains how the British Empire’s strategy was to foment discord between the major industrial powers of Europe, ensuring that their economies remained dependent on British-controlled trade routes.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered World War I, but the British Empire had long been working to set the stage for such a conflict. The war, designed to destroy Germany’s industrial capacity and weaken the American system’s influence, devastated Europe and secured British dominance for several decades. The video presents World War I as part of a broader British strategy to eliminate any potential rivals to its control of global trade and industry. 18:45 21:00

FAQ

Q: What caused the U.S. Civil War?

A: The Civil War began in 1861 after several Southern states seceded from the Union. South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida all voted to leave the Union, with Texas joining them soon after. This act of rebellion, heavily influenced by British support for the Confederacy, triggered the war. Armed insurrectionists surrounded Fort Sumter, South Carolina, leading to the first major confrontation of the conflict. 00:45

Q: Did the British Empire have a role in the American Civil War?

A: The British Empire was deeply involved in the Civil War, providing covert support to the Confederacy. Britain saw the potential division of the United States as a way to weaken the growing industrial power of the Union and preserve its own dominance in global trade. The British helped supply arms and provided financial backing to the South, aiming to fracture the Union and maintain control over international trade routes. 03:15

Q: How did Abraham Lincoln view the conflict?

A: Abraham Lincoln viewed the Civil War as more than just a fight between the North and South. He recognized that the British Empire was behind secessionist movements, and believed that the war was a struggle for the survival of the United States against British interference. Lincoln’s commitment to preserving the Union and his stance against slavery were key components in resisting British efforts to undermine the nation. 05:30

Q: What role did British free trade policies play in the conflict?

A: British free trade policies were designed to undermine the economic power of the United States. By promoting cheap labor and slavery, these policies ensured that the Southern economy was dependent on Britain. The Confederacy’s reliance on British markets for cotton exports made the South an ideal ally for Britain, which sought to exploit the secession to weaken the United States economically. 07:10

Q: How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln connected to foreign interests?

A: The assassination of Abraham Lincoln was orchestrated by British agents operating in Canada. John Wilkes Booth, the assassin, was part of a broader plot led by British operatives who had been planning for years to eliminate Lincoln. His death was intended to destabilize the United States at a critical moment in its recovery from the Civil War. 10:00

Q: How did the U.S. economy recover after the Civil War?

A: The United States entered a period of rapid industrialization after the Civil War, thanks to protectionist economic policies. These policies were designed to protect American industries from British competition by imposing tariffs on imported goods. This approach allowed American manufacturing to grow rapidly, turning the U.S. into an industrial powerhouse. 12:25

Q: What major infrastructure project symbolized national unity?

A: The transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, symbolized the reunification of the United States. This massive infrastructure project connected the country from east to west, facilitating trade and ensuring that the nation would be economically and physically united after the devastation of the Civil War. 14:45

Q: How did the success of the U.S. influence other countries?

A: The post-Civil War success of the United States inspired other nations to adopt similar protectionist policies. Countries like Russia, Germany, and Japan began working with American engineers and economists to develop their own railroads and industrial systems. The American system of economics, based on tariffs and infrastructure development, spread globally as a result of this success. 16:30

Q: What was the British Empire’s response to the spread of U.S. economic policies?

A: As the American system of protectionism and industrial development spread, the British Empire grew increasingly alarmed. Britain sought to prevent the expansion of these policies by fomenting global conflicts, including orchestrating alliances that would lead to World War I. Their goal was to weaken rising industrial powers like Germany and prevent any nation from rivaling British dominance in trade and industry. 18:00

Q: Did the assassination of President William McKinley change U.S. policies?

A: The assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 marked a turning point in U.S. foreign and domestic policy. His successor, Theodore Roosevelt, shifted the country’s policies to be more favorable to British imperial interests. This change represented a departure from the protectionist policies that had driven U.S. industrial success, aligning the nation more closely with British global strategies. 20:45

People

Abraham Lincoln - Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, led the Union during the Civil War. His presidency was defined by his commitment to preserving the United States and resisting the British-backed Confederacy. Lincoln recognized that the Civil War was not only a domestic conflict but part of a broader struggle against British efforts to weaken the Union. He successfully led the Union to victory but was assassinated in 1865 as part of a British conspiracy. 05:30

John Wilkes Booth - John Wilkes Booth was the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. He was part of a conspiracy led by British agents operating out of Canada. Booth’s actions were aimed at destabilizing the United States and halting its recovery after the Civil War. 10:00

James Buchanan - James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, presided over the country in the years leading up to the Civil War. His administration left the country in financial and political disarray, contributing to the outbreak of the conflict. Buchanan’s failure to address the growing divide between North and South played a major role in the secession crisis. 03:45

John Floyd - John Floyd, Secretary of War under President James Buchanan, played a covert role in supporting the Confederacy. He secretly transferred Union armaments to Southern states in preparation for secession and rebellion, directly contributing to the Confederacy’s military strength at the start of the Civil War. 04:10

General Winfield Scott - General Winfield Scott, a hero of the War of 1812, was instrumental in securing Washington, D.C., during the early days of the Civil War. He ensured the protection of the U.S. Capitol and played a critical role in preventing Southern insurrectionists from disrupting the electoral process when Lincoln assumed the presidency. 04:45

Alexander Hamilton - Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Treasury Secretary, laid the foundation for the American system of economics that emphasized industrial development and protectionism. His policies directly opposed British free trade. Hamilton’s assassination in 1804 by Aaron Burr was linked to British efforts to undermine the United States. 02:15

Aaron Burr - Aaron Burr, the former Vice President of the United States, killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel and later led a failed insurrection aimed at separating the western part of the U.S. from the eastern states. Burr’s actions were supported by the British Empire, which sought to divide the U.S. for its own economic and geopolitical interests. 02:45

Lord Palmerston - Lord Palmerston was a leading British statesman who supported the Confederacy during the American Civil War. He viewed the breakup of the United States as beneficial to British economic dominance. Palmerston orchestrated British policies that sought to dismantle the Union and preserve global slavery, which was vital to British interests in the cotton trade. 06:30

Lord Shelburne - Lord Shelburne, a British official with strong ties to the British East India Company, was one of the architects of British policies aimed at weakening the United States. He played a significant role in fostering early secessionist movements and promoting economic policies that would fragment the Union. 02:30

Henry Carey - Henry Carey was an economic adviser to Abraham Lincoln and a key proponent of protectionism. His influence was instrumental in shaping U.S. economic policy after the Civil War, ensuring that the country’s industries could thrive without competition from British imports. Carey’s policies helped fuel the rapid industrialization of the United States. 13:00

John Quincy Adams - John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, was a staunch opponent of European imperialism. His foreign policies laid the groundwork for the United States’ resistance to British interference. Adams’s influence on Abraham Lincoln and his vision for America helped shape the country’s stance against the British Empire during the Civil War. 03:00

Teddy Roosevelt - Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, shifted U.S. policies to be more aligned with British imperial interests after the assassination of William McKinley. Roosevelt’s presidency marked a departure from the protectionist policies that had defined Lincoln’s and McKinley’s administrations. 20:45

William McKinley - William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, was a firm believer in protectionism and helped drive the expansion of U.S. industry through infrastructure projects such as railroads. His assassination in 1901 led to the rise of Teddy Roosevelt and the eventual shift toward British-aligned policies. 20:00

George Sanders - George Sanders, a British operative from the Hudson Bay Company, was one of the key figures in the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Working from British Canada, Sanders helped coordinate efforts to destabilize the United States by aiding the Confederacy and supporting the British agenda. 10:30

John Surratt - John Surratt was a key member of the conspiracy to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. He worked with the Confederate Secret Service, which operated out of London and was linked to British intelligence. After the assassination, Surratt fled to Britain to evade capture. 10:45

Sergei Witte - Sergei Witte was the Russian Minister of Transportation responsible for building the Trans-Siberian Railway. He worked closely with American engineers, following the model of the U.S. transcontinental railroad. Witte’s efforts reflect the global influence of the American system of economics in the late 19th century. 16:45

Otto von Bismarck - Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, adopted protectionist policies inspired by the American system. His economic reforms helped Germany become a global industrial power. Bismarck’s dismissal in 1890 by Kaiser Wilhelm II allowed for the British Empire’s manipulation of European alliances, leading to World War I. 18:30

Organizations

British Empire - The British Empire played a central role in attempting to destabilize the United States during the Civil War. By supporting the Confederacy, Britain sought to weaken the Union and maintain its dominance in global trade. The British Empire’s strategy was based on promoting free trade and slavery, ensuring the Confederacy remained economically reliant on British markets. The Empire’s involvement extended to espionage, arms supply, and financial backing for the South. 03:15

Confederate States of America - The Confederacy, formed by the Southern states that seceded from the Union, was a key instrument in British efforts to divide the United States. The Confederacy’s economy, reliant on slavery and cotton exports to Britain, made it a natural ally for the British. The Confederate leadership worked closely with British diplomats and financiers, receiving critical support that prolonged the Civil War. 04:00

British East India Company - The British East India Company was integral to the British Empire’s global dominance and economic system. It was deeply involved in the exploitation of slave labor and the global cotton trade, which sustained the Confederate economy. The Company’s policies helped shape Britain’s approach to the United States, influencing its support for the Confederacy. 06:00

Union Army - The Union Army fought to preserve the United States and defeat the British-backed Confederacy. Under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, the Union’s industrial might and moral commitment to ending slavery were key factors in its victory. The Union Army’s success not only ensured the survival of the United States but also dealt a significant blow to British imperial ambitions in North America. 05:45

Hudson’s Bay Company - The Hudson’s Bay Company, a British trading company, served as a cover for British espionage and operations against the United States. British agents like George Sanders used the company’s resources in Canada to coordinate the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln and support the Confederacy. The Company was a critical tool in Britain’s efforts to destabilize the Union from the north. 10:30

Confederate Secret Service - Based in London, the Confederate Secret Service was involved in espionage and covert operations against the Union. The organization was connected to British intelligence and played a significant role in planning the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Agents like John Surratt operated from London, using British support to carry out their missions. 10:45

American System of Economics - The American system of economics, first developed by Alexander Hamilton, emphasized protectionism, industrial growth, and national unity. This system directly opposed British free trade and became the foundation for U.S. economic growth after the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln and his adviser Henry Carey promoted the American system, which helped turn the U.S. into a global industrial power. 12:00

Royal Africa Company - The Royal Africa Company, another British enterprise, was instrumental in the global slave trade, which sustained the economies of both the Southern U.S. and Britain. The company’s activities ensured a steady flow of enslaved labor to plantations in the South, linking the Confederacy’s economy to British interests. 06:45

Trans-Siberian Railway Project - This major Russian infrastructure project was modeled on the American transcontinental railroad. American engineers played a crucial role in its construction, demonstrating the global influence of the American system of economics. The railway helped Russia industrialize and strengthen its economy, expanding the reach of the U.S.'s economic ideas. 16:45

Baldwin Locomotive Works - Baldwin Locomotive Works, based in Philadelphia, was one of the leading companies responsible for building locomotives for both the U.S. and international markets. The company produced the first locomotive for the Trans-Siberian Railway, highlighting the global impact of American industrial capabilities. Baldwin’s success reflected the strength of the U.S. economy after the Civil War. 17:00

Confederate Army - The Confederate Army, heavily supported by the British Empire, was the military force that fought against the Union to preserve slavery and maintain secession. The army received substantial material support from British suppliers, who saw the conflict as an opportunity to divide the United States and weaken its economic power. 04:45

Locations

Washington, D.C. - Washington, D.C., was the political and military center of the Union during the Civil War. It served as the seat of Abraham Lincoln’s government and was a target of Confederate forces. The city was fortified and defended by Union troops, especially during the critical period of Lincoln’s inauguration. Its survival was essential to the Union’s victory and symbolized the resilience of the United States against British-backed secessionist forces. 05:30

Fort Sumter, South Carolina - Fort Sumter was the site of the first battle of the Civil War in April 1861. Confederate forces surrounded and attacked the fort, marking the beginning of open hostilities between the Union and the Confederacy. The capture of Fort Sumter by the Confederates was a key early victory for the secessionist states and a significant escalation in the conflict. 04:15

British Canada - British Canada played a central role in the conspiracy to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. British operatives and Confederate agents used Canada as a base to coordinate espionage and sabotage operations against the Union. George Sanders, a key figure in the assassination plot, operated from Canadian soil, demonstrating the strategic importance of the region for British interference in U.S. affairs. 10:30

Trans-Siberian Railway - The Trans-Siberian Railway, built in Russia with the assistance of American engineers, was modeled on the U.S. transcontinental railroad. It symbolized the spread of the American system of economics to other nations. The railway connected Russia’s vast territories, facilitating trade and industrial development in the late 19th century. 16:45

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, home to Baldwin Locomotive Works, played a significant role in the industrialization of the United States and other countries. The locomotives built in Philadelphia were used on the Trans-Siberian Railway, reflecting the global influence of U.S. industrial power. Philadelphia was a key hub of American manufacturing and engineering expertise. 17:00

Berlin, Germany - Berlin, the capital of Germany, became a center for adopting American-style protectionist policies under Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck’s economic reforms, inspired by the American system, turned Germany into a major industrial power. The city’s role in planning international railway links, including the Berlin-to-Baghdad Railway, showed Germany’s desire to expand its global influence. 18:30

Baghdad, Iraq - Baghdad was the planned terminus of the Berlin-to-Baghdad Railway, a project aimed at creating a new trade route linking Europe to the Middle East. This ambitious project was part of Germany’s efforts to compete with British control of global trade routes, reflecting the spread of American-inspired infrastructure development to other parts of the world. 18:45

New York, New York - New York was one of the main centers of industrial and financial power in the post-Civil War United States. The city benefited from protectionist policies that allowed American businesses to thrive without competition from British imports. New York became a symbol of U.S. economic dominance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 19:15

Mississippi River - The Mississippi River was a vital transportation route for the Union during the Civil War. It played a crucial role in Abraham Lincoln’s vision for westward expansion and national unity. The river facilitated the movement of troops and supplies and became central to the post-war development of the American West. 06:00

London, England - London was the headquarters of the British Empire and a hub for espionage activities against the United States. The Confederate Secret Service operated out of London, coordinating with British officials to support the Confederacy and undermine the Union. London’s role in the Civil War and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln reflects the British Empire’s broader strategy to weaken the United States. 06:30

Timeline

March 4, 1861 - Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated as the 16th President of the United States. His presidency begins as several Southern states have already voted to secede from the Union, setting the stage for the Civil War. Lincoln pledges to preserve the Union and defend it against internal and external threats, including British-backed secessionists. 03:30

April 12, 1861 - Confederate forces attack Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking the official start of the Civil War. This act of aggression by the South, which was heavily influenced by British interests, solidifies the division between the Union and the Confederacy. 04:15

April 9, 1865 - General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War. The Union’s victory preserves the United States as a unified nation, but the British continue to seek ways to undermine American power. 09:00

April 14, 1865 - Abraham Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a British-backed conspirator. The assassination is part of a larger plot orchestrated by British agents operating out of Canada. Lincoln’s death threatens to destabilize the country at a critical moment of post-war recovery. 10:00

May 10, 1869 - The transcontinental railroad is completed with the driving of the final spike at Promontory Summit, Utah. This monumental achievement connects the eastern and western United States, symbolizing the physical and economic reunification of the nation. 14:45

1876 - The United States celebrates its centennial with an international exhibition, showcasing the country’s rapid industrial growth following the Civil War. The success of American protectionist economic policies is on display, drawing the attention of other nations like Germany, Russia, and Japan. 16:00

1889 - Otto von Bismarck implements protectionist tariffs in Germany, adopting the American system of economics to strengthen his nation’s industrial base. This marks the rise of Germany as a major industrial power and a challenge to British dominance. 18:30

1890 - Bismarck is dismissed as Chancellor of Germany, leading to a shift in European politics. His removal paves the way for the British Empire to manipulate European alliances, setting the stage for World War I. 18:45

1901 - President William McKinley is assassinated, leading to the rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt shifts U.S. policy to align more closely with British imperial interests, moving away from the protectionist policies that had fueled U.S. industrial success. 20:00

1914 - The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo triggers World War I. The British Empire had long planned for this conflict to weaken industrial powers like Germany, ensuring that no single nation could challenge British control of global trade. 21:00

Glossary

Secession - The act of Southern states withdrawing from the Union in 1860-1861, leading to the outbreak of the Civil War. Secession was heavily supported by the British Empire, which saw the division of the United States as a way to weaken its growing industrial power. 03:15

Confederacy - The Confederacy, or Confederate States of America, was formed by the Southern states that seceded from the Union. It fought to preserve slavery and maintain its economic ties with Britain, which relied on Southern cotton for its textile industry. 04:00

British Empire - The British Empire was the global imperial power that sought to weaken the United States by supporting the Confederacy during the Civil War. Its economic system, based on free trade and slavery, was directly threatened by the protectionist policies of the U.S. 03:15

Free Trade - An economic policy that promotes the unrestricted exchange of goods between nations without tariffs or other barriers. In the context of the Civil War, British free trade policies were designed to weaken the U.S. economy by fostering dependence on cheap labor and slavery in the South. 06:30

Protectionism - An economic policy that involves imposing tariffs on imported goods to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The United States adopted protectionist policies after the Civil War, allowing its industries to grow rapidly without British interference. 12:00

Tariffs - Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries. After the Civil War, the U.S. implemented high tariffs as part of its protectionist strategy, which helped build a strong industrial base. 13:00

Transcontinental Railroad - A massive infrastructure project completed in 1869 that connected the eastern and western United States by rail. It symbolized the physical and economic reunification of the country after the Civil War and marked the beginning of U.S. industrial dominance. 14:45

Industrialization - The process of developing industries and manufacturing on a large scale. After the Civil War, the U.S. underwent rapid industrialization, fueled by protectionist policies that allowed it to surpass Britain as a leading industrial power. 12:25

Crew

• Conceived by Lyndon LaRouche

• Narrated by Robert Beltran

• Created by Nick Walsh, Aaron Halevy, Spencer Cross, Mark Samet, Lucas Deming

• With additional support from Justin Harlin, Christopher Sandford, Will Mederski, Michelle Lerner

• Interviews Harley Schlanger, Nick Walsh, Phil Rubinstein, Lyndon LaRouche, Sky Shields, Tarrajna Dorsey, Jeffrey Steinberg