Importance Of The Confederate Flag

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Time has affected and altered the true meanings behind the Confederate Flag. While the flag’s original meaning was to symbolize the Confederate States’ freedom, from the 1860s to the present day, many new interpretations have surfaced. Some feel the flag symbolizes their heritage and the fallen soldiers who fought for the Confederate States of America. On the other hand, others feel the flag represents racism, white supremacy, and hatred (Briggs). This has been argued because what might be one’s heritage is another’s slavery and heartbreaking history. This topic brings out an abundance of the various emotions and feelings to those it affects. Placement of the flag at the State Capitol has also been a main issue behind the controversies and
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States. Lincoln’s election immediately formed an issue for the southern states who felt Lincoln’s election threatened their way of living, which was based off of slavery. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation which freed all slaves in the states of rebellion. Lincoln was a strong supporter of the 13th Amendment which granted freedom to all slaves within the United States (“Lincoln on Slavery”). In Lincoln’s Last Public Address, he even recommended that African Americans be allowed the right to vote (“Lincoln’s Last Public...”). While Lincoln’s public stance on slavery continued to change, he made a great effort to improve the lives of slaves. The seven states of the Deep South that were outraged and made preparations and followed out their plans to secede from the Union were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. After the Civil War began in 1861, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia also seceded. The new Confederate States of America was formed in February 1861. The goal of these states was to preserve slavery, states’ rights, and political liberty for whites (“Confederate States of
Included would be a complete interpretation of the flag, all of the meanings it possesses, and how it has affected history for centuries For those who support the flag, an exhibit dedicated to teaching how the flag’s role has affected South Carolina history would be an understandable, yet questionable decision to make as the flag’s current placement caused no issues. However, this decision would be a step in the right direction. It would show how the flag symbolizes fallen soldiers that for some trace back to their family heritage and represents their southern pride. For those who are against the flag, this exhibit would mean no longer having to worry about the flag flying high and waving around the negativity it is perceived to carry. History and all of the events that have taken place are set in stone. This exhibit would demonstrate how the flag gives off the negativity that comes along with the topics of race, white supremacy, hatred, and slavery. Everyone has their own personal opinions, feelings, and beliefs when it comes to the Confederate Flag. How can one tell another that their opinions are invalid or their feelings don’t matter? Topics such as slavery and racism are difficult to discuss for some, but they are a main part of the history of South Carolina. They cannot be erased. Therefore, if the Confederate Flag is symbolizing the

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