Why do some southerners still hold a grudge for the Civil War?

Question

Not all, but a lot of southerners, still refer to us by "damn yankees" and such. I mean, get over it.

Answer 1

GEN. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN IS THE ANSWER...HIS MARCH TO THE SEA(especially in s.c.) OF THE TORCHED EARTH POLICY DESTROYED PRIVATE CITIZENS PROPERTY IN AN UNPRECENTED SWATH OF CHAOS & DESTRUCTION ONE MILE WIDE AND HUNDREDS OF MILE LONG THRU THE SOUTH IN ORDER TO DEFEAT LEE AT ALL COSTS

Answer 2

I've always lived in the south (yes, in a TRAIL OR!!!), but have never met anyone - educated or 'red neck' who seriously held any kind of grudge. Believe it or not, that too is just a stereo-type. My mother is from Ohio, and is the first to tell you that the difference between a Yankee and a damn Yankee is that Yankees go back north while damn Yankees stay here! We have had many good laughs with northern friends, but never any real animosity

Answer 3

Losing generally leaves more of an aftertaste than winning. Also, a far higher percentage of Southerners were in the military thus involving a higher percentage of families. The vast majority of military operations was conducted in the South, so far more of the South's infrastructure was destroyed...leaving a lingering impact from the war (Jackson MS was known as "Chimneyville" because that was all that was left). The North blockaded the South, so the economic impact on Southern families was more intense (people died becaue of the inability to obtain medicine). And finally, the South was occupied by Union troops for many years after the war.

Answer 4

I'm from Louisiana, and have lived in Texas, and in Georgia. In the South all my life.

And I have to say... I know maybe two people that even know anything about the Civil War. I mean, anything. They know Grant and Lee, but that's it.
Most believe in the common theory that the Civil War was about abolishing slavery, and are glad that the North won. As am I.
The unified United States is much better off than a divided one.
But that's just me. =)

As for sayings like "Damn Yankees," I've never heard someone say this in reference to the Civil War. They're usually talking about the supposed Northern tendency to gun control, pacifism, or - no offense - their SUPPOSED lack of manners.
I wouldn't worry about the phrase - it's generally used seriously by drunk rednecks sitting outside their trailers in a lawn chair in their boxers and complaining about the "Damn Yankees in Washington."
Otherwise it's used jokingly, a lot of times in the presence of Northern friends. =)

Southerners are very proud of their congeniality. I must say that some of my Souther friends are a bit warmer than some of my friends by the North - not at ALL in every case. Thus, sometimes we joke about "Well, you know, she's not southern." It's all in fun, I promise.


To answer concisely, I don't believe there is a general grudge against the North, or about the Civil War. I'd say that most believe, like me, that we did pretty well, considering our lack of resources, and that we have nothing to be ashamed of. As a result, we are a richer, prouder, stronger nation, because we know now what it looks like when we try to split apart.

But that's just me. Much luck finding your answer. =)

Answer 5

i will only communicate for myself in this count and not for all southerners. i'm very happy with my southern history and the flaws that they have got been battling for. i think dissimilar the history on the subject of the south is misrepresented simply by fact the victors many times write the books. so some distance as disliking northerners i don't get that for the period of any respect. I married one so i like them purely super. i think of that communities like Sons of accomplice Veterans have such an attraction down it is by the fact there's a feeling that the north has constantly been portrayed as battling a purely reason whilst the south became seen organic evil. maximum pupils of history permit you be conscious of that it is not real. there is probable dissimilar fact on your theory on the subject of the watering down of family contributors trees besides. it is an engaging subject to make certain.

Answer 6

Because they got smoked. I'm from outside Pitts. and I have a grudge against the benGALS and the cowgirls, I mean cowboys, remember '95.

Answer 7

Southerners do not hold a grudge. They won the Civil War. We all of us, Northerners and Southerners remember it now and enjoy it.

Answer 8

Thats because you are damned yankees. All of you!

~From Canada

Answer 9

I have no idea.
The civil war was one of the best things to happen in american history due to the impact it had on slavory in my opinion.

And I think "Damn Yankees" is refering to the baseball team.
lol.

Answer 10

because it wasn't a civil war, it was the War of Northern Aggression.