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Exhibit Preview - A Global War

Through diplomatic negotiations and naval conflicts, the Civil War's impact extended far beyond U.S. borders - to London and Beijing, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro. While Union and Confederate troops battled on American soil, a global diplomatic battle ensued.

  • Why did the Confederacy seek recognition abroad?

  • How did the U.S. Government react to Confederate efforts to gain recognition?

  • Did Confederate and Union ships battle beyond North American waters?

The documents in this area will help you piece together a picture of the Civil War's global reach.

Preview the Graphic Novel Video: The Voyage of the Alabama

Map of courses sailed by the USS Kearsage and the CSS Alabama

Map of the courses sailed by the USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama during their battle on June 19, 1864.

National Archives, Naval Records Collection of the Office of Naval Records and Library

confederate constitution