c) United Kingdom

The Confederacy’s unsuccessful attempt to persuade the United Kingdom to recognize its independence was a pivotal aspect of the diplomatic efforts during the American Civil War. The Confederacy hoped that British reliance on Southern cotton for its textile industry would lead to diplomatic recognition and potential military support. However, the United Kingdom, under the leadership of Queen Victoria and Prime Minister Lord Palmerston, adopted a stance of official neutrality. This decision was influenced by several factors, including the British public’s growing opposition to slavery and the Union’s effective diplomatic efforts. The UK’s refusal to recognize the Confederacy significantly hampered the South’s international standing and access to resources. The failure to gain British support underscored the international dimensions of the Civil War and highlighted the complexities of 19th-century geopolitics.