1884 Anti-Slavery Charter

The **1884 Anti-Slavery Charter** was introduced in 1884 under President Thomas A. Hendricks. It was an important document that abolished a large chunk of the Confederate institution of slavery.

## Background

### Cotton Diplomacy Crisis

In 1883, the Gladstone premiership in the United Kingdom suffered an attack within its own party over its continued association with the Confederate States, a country that still used and, to an extent, depended on the institution of slavery. When Gladstone finally caved in to his parties demands, he ushered a message to the Confederates under President Hendricks: Britain could no longer support the Confederate States, should they maintain the institution of slavery.

Thus sparked the Cotton Diplomacy Crisis. Amongst the many attempts for Hendricks to resolve the situation without angering the Loyalists, specifically those of more radical intent under the Presidential predecessor Nathan Bedford Forrest, negotiation appeared futile. Thus, Hendricks knew he would have to use his executive powers.

## The Charter

### The Drafts

The first draft of the Anti-Slavery Charter to some went too far, and to others, did not go far enough. The first draft originally attacked major slave farms and even the Klan, but out of fear that the Loyalists under Forrest would retaliate, given how controversial the 1880 election was, Hendricks chose to drop the clause on the Klan for the second draft.

### Passing the Charter

The second draft excluded the banning of the Klan, in fear that doing so would destroy a chunk of the Confederate culture and stability, and cause uproar in the deep south. The second draft was a lot more lenient on the Klan institutions, but still widespread abolished a large chunk of the slavery institution. The charter did enough tow in back Gladstone's support, given that Gladstone was still a firm believer in the Confederate cause.

The charter officially came into effect in 1884, and managed to secure Hendricks a second win the same year, although he died only a year after.

## Aftermath and Inclusions

### The Stonewall Jackson Presidency

Stonewall Jackson took over after Hendricks died in 1885. President Jackson's first term involved upholding the charter's regulations, and the shutting down of widespread slavery institutions across the country. Although revered as a military hero, Jackson was not popular anymore amongst many Loyalists for his efforts in upholding the charter, and he lost the 1888 election. He was, however, re-elected in 1892, after the travesty of the Barzillai J. Chambers presidency.

### The Underwood Clause

Oscar Underwood, the surprising contender to beat John Sharp Williams in 1908, introduced a new clause that officially outlawed the Klan, and attacked major Klan hotspots in the south. The situation almost provoked a mutiny amongst the Confederate military, with some holding loyalties to the Klan over the liberal President, and Underwood had to stand down and revoke the clause. The situation was dire, and resulted in Underwood being assassinated. The assassination sparked national outcry, and his successor, John S. Mosby, reinitiated the Underwood Clause, cracking down violently on the Klan.

The issue with the Klan still remains a strong problem to this day.