Lost Cause

The "Lost Cause" is a term used to describe a Southern interpretation of the Civil War that emerged after 1865. It portrays the Confederacy's fight as a noble, heroic struggle defending states' rights and Southern culture, despite defeat. This narrative downplays or dismisses the role of slavery and racial issues, often romanticizing the Confederacy. The Lost Cause shaped memory and symbols in the South for decades, influencing attitudes toward civil rights and racial equality. It is widely regarded as a biased and historically inaccurate view that seeks to justify the Confederacy’s actions and preserve a particular cultural identity.