Debunking the myth of the Lost Cause: A lie embedded in American history | Karen L. Cox

Between 1860 and 1861, 11 southern states seceded from the U.S. to form the Confederacy, driven by the desire to maintain slavery. The Civil War ensued, ending in the Confederacy's defeat. Post-war, the Lost Cause myth emerged, reframing the war as a fight for states' rights rather than slavery. This narrative was propagated by groups like the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who influenced public memory through monuments and education. Despite evidence, the myth persists, overshadowing the true cause of the war. Frederick Douglass warned against erasing slavery's role, fearing it would undermine Black Americans' rights.

What new insight or understanding did you gain from this video?