How Queen Victoria's HUSBAND Averted US-British War in 1861!

[@SKAC]

Prince Albert was an extraordinary man and I am proud to live in a small town in Victoria, Australia, named in his honour, Port Albert.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Spot on - saviour indeed and extraordinary man + no justice in the world that such a clever and seems like good man died so young

[@visaman]

In Canada, we have a city named Prince Albert, in the Province of Saskatchewan.

[@carlbirtles4518]

In “Eastenders”, there’s a square named after him!

[@RobertStewart-i3m]

Australia?!? Like- everything has stingers, poison, serrated claws, venom, squirts acid based pollen etc. Dang I thought it was lethal living in Alaska. At least the moose don't squirt doom while ramming you with 300 lbs of bone at 30+mph. Oh, and your weather scares me

[@SKAC]

@RobertStewart-i3m True. It's a miracle any of us survive.

[@theblackprince1346]

Yes to a full video on the life of Prince Albert, a fascinating figure.

[@williamromine5715]

I agree.

[@johnreed8336]

​@@williamromine5715 as do I.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@mauricefrost8900]

As a Brit with a pretty decent knowledge of the American Civil War I was very much aware of the Trent Incident however not of Prince Albert’s involvement in it Many thanks for the video I also seem to recall something about Abraham Lincoln and the possibility of a war with Britain as well as the Confederacy saying that he thought it better to fight one war at a time!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@Sgtklark]

It's my understanding that Lincoln said after the ending of the Trent Affair that, "one war at a time is quite enough."

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@alistairjamesheaton9155]

It gave President Lincoln an out and saved thousands of lives in the process.

[@mystikmind2005]

@@alistairjamesheaton9155 Nothing i know about Lincoln indicates to me he would allow a war over ego, however, conceding to the more stern British demands may have damaged him politically with unknown consequences that could have been profound.

[@alistairjamesheaton9155]

@ basically, it was a case that Alfred managed to throw sand on the fire and gave both parties an exit, which would allow them not to lose too much face with their own people. The BRITs had had their toes royally trodden on, and so we are rather pissed off the Americans didn’t want a bunch of Confederate, whipping up support. Alfred used diplomacy. Later, one of his descendants, the late Queen Elizabeth, the second would become renowned for being a very experienced diplomat. The Romanian dictator in the 1980s was obnoxious to her that she avoided him in the gardens of Buckingham Palace when out walking, needless to say that clearly resonated with the people in his country because a few months later they put him against the wall and shot him. A war between the British and the union would’ve been very bloody and very unproductive. It would’ve been damaging for the British in terms of their grasp on their empire, and the Americans potentially could’ve cost on the war with the Confederates or certainly made life more difficult. Especially when you consider that you had the British not long off to pretty bloody wars. I’m just very glad that diplomacy was able to be exercised. Though the musing thing for me is that when those two Confederate scumbags got loose, they acheived precisely nothing.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

@@alistairjamesheaton9155🤔 You refer to someone named ‘Alfred’. Please correct that to mean ‘Albert’.

[@tomhirons7475]

Well done Albert.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I must admit, when I started researching about this incident, I wasn't aware of quite what a role he had played.

[@tomhirons7475]

@@TheHistoryChap its an interesting fact to know.

[@262marcus]

Albert was a clever and disciplined man.

[@johngalt2506]

​@@TheHistoryChap Makes you wonder how different history would be if he hadn't died.

[@harryshriver6223]

Chris, you know what the funny thing is about history? You never know who will play a role in any capacity, the fact that Prince Albert could compose such an articulate and well versed addition which probably saved countless American and British lives from being lost in an insignificant conflict. Kudos to the consort for his grit to finish the last of the rodeo. Vaya con Dios y en paz descansen.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hi Harry, I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Incredible to think he found the mental & physical energy to write that memorandum just two weeks before his death.

[@robertrobert7924]

Such a shame to lose such a genius as Albert to typhoid at such a young age.

[@Fred-px5xu]

I appreciate, as an American, you reminding us how a cooler head prevailed. Prince Albert was farsighted, and his efforts was not in vain. His intervention prevented a great catastrophe.Once again thank you for brilliant video lecture on the near war between Great Britain and The United States in the year 1861.

[@thalmoragent9344]

The Chad Prince Albert 🔥

[@thalmoragent9344]

​@@Fred-px5xu Cheers, we're all buds now

[@wingedbuffalo4670]

This was a wonderful presentation -- thank you. I had a superb American History teacher during junior year in high school (who was actually akin to my first "college professor" because he assigned TONS of homework, gave class lectures off the cuff WITHOUT notes and utilizing sources outside and in addition to the textbook (all of which was fair game for the tests, so not only did you have to do all the assigned reading in the textbook PRIOR to class so you understood the lecture, but you also had to pay close attention in class and take good notes so that you could be fully prepared for his exams. I distinctly remember him covering the Trent Affair (even though it was NOT covered in the textbook). So this video was a nice walk down "memory lane" to that teacher's classes. Thanks for the refresher !!! :)

[@Chiller11]

I also had an excellent American History teacher in high school. James Fleet in Denver, CO circa 1967 or 68. Some days he would get sidetracked and spend an entire class period on a topic that was completely outside the curriculum but always germane to the historical context.

[@wingedbuffalo4670]

@@Chiller11 Congrats @Chiller ... we indeed "stand on the shoulders of giants" :) My special teacher (who taught my class American History during our Junior year of H.S. in the 1974-1975 school year) was Mr. Thomas A. McPherson ... and, as a WW II Army veteran, he was also a member of "the Greatest Generation" R.I.P. Tex.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@stephengarrity9702]

Excellent. Don't forget the Canadian province of Alberta was named after Albert.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Excellent point.

[@crhu319]

He would be ashamed of it today tho.

[@conveyor2]

Nope! Alberta was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (1848-1939). Google!

[@stephengarrity9702]

@@conveyor2 I stand corrected.

[@rogerking7258]

You have to wonder how the 19 century would have progressed if Albert hadn't died. He seems to have been a man who "got" how the world was changing and appears to have been a brilliant organiser. The truth is that most of the things we take for granted today were either invented in their crudest form by the Victorians, or if not, were at least conjectured during this period before they were actually realised (and yes, that includes computers).

[@alistairjamesheaton9155]

@@rogerking7258 I agree, One has to wonder how many conflicts the British might of avoided in the subsequent decades, and also potentially how many avoid invading

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.

[@PhilipDarragh]

U make statements of opinion. But U give no facts 2 back up ur opinion. I would argue tt most of the greatest inventions came out of America. U can compare the # of patents issued in America 2 those issued in the U.K. Thomas Edison gave the world some of the greatest inventions of all times. 1) Moving pictures, 2) phonograph, stock ticker, light bulb, etc. Ely Whitney invented the Cotton Gin, and inter-changeable parts. IK tt inventions came out of the U.K., so name some of them 4 us. Tks.😊

[@allangibson8494]

@@PhilipDarraghLight bulbs were invented in England by Joseph Swan (before Edison was pottering with them) and had a (short lifed) working version in 1860… Edison’s phonograph was problematic and Emile Berliner’s phonogram was a much better design as the recordings could be reproduced easily. The steam engine (both reciprocating and steam turbine) were English inventions as were their applications to ships, railroads and road vehicles. The electric generator and alternator were English inventions as were the fluorescent light.

[@phoenixrose1192]

@@allangibson8494I agree. The British truly gave the world so much. It’s a shame people seem determined to deny this in the name of casual Anglophobia. ☹️

[@rjbisbee8567]

Thank you - another wonderfully narrated, event from history. I would like to see a segment on Prince Albert.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment.

[@timmattle4730]

Thank you for an enlightening story. As an American, I was unaware of this part of our Country's Civil War history.

[@creepingdread88]

It wasn't the last time the two countries almost came to blows. In the 1890s, the US, flushed with a sense of power, wanted to start a war with someone. Britain, being the only European country the US had any really beef with, was top of that list. It was only when the US, came to their senses and realised they would lose, that the US decided against self-destruction. They trumped-up some true or false (isn't relevant) accusations and started a war with Spain instead.

[@fus149hammer5]

​@creepingdread88 Yeah well you can pick a fight with Spain they haven't won a war since they exterminated the Incas. Hardly a fair fight.

[@eutytoalba]

​@creepingdread88 Ah, you mean the Yellow Press aka Fake News

[@eutytoalba]

To me as I burrow, it's starting to look like the "States Rights" narrative was fruit of Britain's "Southern Strategy" earlier in 1812. The Northern states were the anti-British hardballers, so it makes sense Britain hedged their bets with the states who kind of just got dragged along and then felt blindsided by the Wiskey Tax.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@nathanappleby5342]

Prince Albert, a true diplomat! You could tell Victoria was proud of him for the role he played in smoothing it out. The fact that he did what did to avert conflict while he was dying is a testament to his will power and strength of character.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It was only when researching the Trent Incident that I became aware of quite what a role he played.

[@JoeRitchie-e5l]

Thank you for presenting this fascinating history. I never knew how close our two nations came to war during our civil war. Thank God for Prince Albert. He died a hero in my eyes because he saved both countries from much pain and blood shed

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@williamcurtin5692]

Thank William Seward while you're at it too. A perennially underrated great American.

[@BMW7series251]

Thanks Chris. Never knew any of this! Bravo to Albert indeed. Cheers, John.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@rangerista3933]

A rollicking story, enthusiastically told as ever, a great watch 👍🏻

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@Sammy1234568910]

I can't help but notice similarities in the British grievance in the Trent Affair and the American Grievances that led to the War of 1812. The little ironies of history never cease to amuse me.

[@STho205]

Yes the HMS Leopard firing across the bow and boarding the USS Chesapeake (currently unarmed on a shakedown voyage)....taking sailors in 1807 was the primary greviance that eventually led to the US declaring war 5 years later. In the adjudication court the British ambassador had said: "The United States is a nation of short history and DUBIOUS FUTURE." That statement festered into renewed national hatred of the British and support of the French.

[@robertalpy]

@@Sammy1234568910 well...we didn't impress the British sailors on the mail ship into US Navy service. We just removed rebels who were actually Americans. Though I see your point. Removing anyone without seizing the entire ship would be a violation of admiralty law according to the way it's done at sea. Though I wouldn't be surprised if the captain just did it because he knew he couldn't put the mail ship in tow and escape the notice of the British Navy which would have been crawling all over the carribbean. He was anxious to succeeded and knew he would never be able to put the mail ship in tow without attracting the notice of a British man of war. He did what he thought would work and probably hoped the British might not push the issue. I'm sure the confederate whispered in their ear the whole time egging them on telling them it wouldn't look good for them. It was bound to fail but I can understand wanting to not let the target slip through your fingers.

[@manofkent4472]

no, not really. 1812 war was more about US traders greed ref timber & grain than any sailors. Far more depth to war of 1812.

[@manofkent4472]

@@STho205 Sorry, No. French support of Americans in 1770s led to their debt crises, increased taxes and eventual revolution. The dubious future was because most americans viewed themselves as belonging to a state NOT america . This would continue until the north crushed the southern states.

[@robertalpy]

@manofkent4472 No I'm pretty sure the reason we used was impressment. Even if all those other things are true...they aren't a cassus beli. You can't exactly say that's why you are going to war. Impreaament though? That works.

[@erpecom]

Yes, more on Prince Albert, please.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your reply

[@millardfretland4642]

Yes please to a full video on Prince Albert. Thanks for the great video!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ok. Lots of support for this idea so I will add to my schedule. Thanks for your support. 😊

[@BoerChris]

Yes please! I would love to hear more about Prince Albert, according to some the best King Britain never had. Gosh, the Trent Affair provides an enormous 'what if' scenario for wargamers - especially naval wargamers!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@criso6164]

Yes to more on Albert please. Thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment.

[@GlamorousTitanic21]

The more you read about Prince Albert, the more you realize just how far ahead of the curve he was than everyone around him. He had a pretty clear view of where the world was going at that time and knew that things would have to change to meet it. If had survived into old age alongside Victoria, who knows how differently things may have gone. Perhaps he could have even prevented WW1 from the beginning.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.

[@howardwitt7947]

Chris great story. It was odd to see the flags of the UK and the USA together. Not sure where the image came from. But the Union Jack was upside down!

[@hublanderuk]

I spotted that the union flag (name of UK flag) was upside down. I guess it was drawn originally with the pole at the other end and they moved the pole to the other side to make a good picture. Even some British people don't know you can fly their flag upside down. I normally go up to them and say any problem here. Since an upside down is a distress signal. The last person I said that to was Scottish, and they said "The Union is in distress." 🤣

[@crispianbarlow5184]

Probably too many stars on the USA flag as well.

[@alexanderv7702]

​@@hublanderukit is the Royal Navy's Ensign, which when flown upside down, is a sign of distress.

[@creepingdread88]

Whoever made the image, just wanted the flags the right way, which isn't possible the way they're flown, so in this case, not so much upside down as the flag pole is on the wrong side. Semantics, I suppose. Anyway, thank you for calling it the Union Jack. I wish people would stop with the union flag nonsense. Its official name is the Union Jack.

[@creepingdread88]

@@hublanderuk It's called the 'Union Jack', that's the official name of the flag.

[@thalmoragent9344]

Prince Albert really was one of those royals who took a head in heavy matters and steered a solid course. A shame he was taken by Typhoid so soon, but his wife the Queen Victoria kept moving on, and was a helluva Monarchin her own right. An actual power couple, in every sense of the word

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@rvtalltales9327]

Victoria was the biggest drug dealer in world history, ask China about the opium wars.

[@ericteneyck8691]

Great video, hadn't heard that story before. In San Jacinto, the c is pronounced as an s, so is actually pronounced as either San Jasinto or San Hasinto (Spanish pronunciation). But that doesn't detract from the story. Thank you!

[@johnt.kennedy3856]

Let’s not forget the Battle of San Jacinto.

[@markcoveryourassets]

⁠@@johnt.kennedy3856 or the Alamo! Or Goliad!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for, glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for your feedback.

[@johnstewartrichards5922]

Before this there was The Pig War in 1859 between US & UK over British-U.S. border in the San Juan Islands, between Vancouver Island & Washington Territory. It was triggered by the shooting of a pig! No human casualties on either side of the border… Perhaps after this was when Americans started describing Canadian Bacon, which in Canada we just call Back Bacon. ; )

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback. Please check my channel re the Pig War.

[@csabakis4214]

A very informative video, good job! The irony of history that moments are mostly and largely forgotten, when a disaster just had been averted ... a "could have happened" vs. " what happened" , sort of ... which is quite sad, as we could learn much from those events, if more publicized!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@augustuswayne9676]

" One war at a time" Lincoln said . And quietly let the two Confederates go .

[@TheHistoryChap]

yes, I think he knew where he needed to focus.

[@augustuswayne9676]

@TheHistoryChap yep , Mr Lincoln had his hands full .

[@peterixon8708]

Really appreciated you bringing this to prominence. Lessons learned examining this incident still have application for international decision-makers today. Thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@Constant_Of_Morality]

After several tense weeks, the crisis was resolved when the Lincoln administration released the envoys and disavowed Captain Wilkes's actions, although without a formal apology.

[@alistairjamesheaton9155]

Either way, it meant that Lincoln didn’t have to worry about the British charging over the hill from Canada aiming to destroy the US manufacturing heartlands, which would’ve crippled them. Lincoln was certainly no idiot, and I suspect he did not want to have to deal with that on his northern border and potentially having his navy attacked by the British. It gave him an out of the situation, and everyone was thankful for it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@alistairjamesheaton9155]

@@TheHistoryChap No problem. It will most times when diplomacy can win over violence and hotheadedness. Shame the same policy wasn’t applied at the beginning of the first world war, or we might have saved millions of lives.

[@blainefrenette3520]

I would love to hear more about Prince Albert. I have heard many stories about him. He sounds like a very great person.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@luckyspurs]

Albert was one of the few late royals that seemed to have genuine agency and ability. Would love another video on him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it & thanks for the your reply

[@phoenixrose1192]

Maybe it’s best when there’s a Queen and a Prince consort? 😉

[@drtimsmith]

Another tale, marvelously told... Yes, Prince Albert was very extraordinary by many standards. I think it would be good to have a story about him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & your feedback.

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Prince Albert was an erudite ruler. Even on his deathbed he accomplished world-changing deeds. An episode on his story would be well-worth watching.

[@eliotreader8220]

i would also like like to see a episode about the queen's husband what lovely writing

[@Mulberry2000]

He did not rule

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@lordeden2732]

One he did not rule two he was too ill to bother about anything on his death bed@

[@eliotreader8220]

@@Mulberry2000 I know that they refused to Make Albert A King of Great Britain and made him A Prince Consort instead when he Married Queen Victoria

[@mikewright309]

A great video. One technicality the depiction of the union flag is upside down. The correct way is that the wider white band should be to the top of a flag staff.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & your feedback.

[@theawesomeman9821]

Glad that the US and UK are on friendly terms. As an American, there is only one other nation aside from my own that I have so much admiration for and that's the UK.

[@alexanderv7702]

And yet, the USA drew up plans to invade the UK, after World War 1 and World War 2 😮

[@deanrobinson4129]

Hopefully it continues uncertain times tho with your new president

[@theawesomeman9821]

@@deanrobinson4129 Trump has nothing against the UK and does not think of you guys as Europeans.

[@inconnu4961]

@@deanrobinson4129 We finally have a President who can walk & talk! LOL You do realize our President was President 4yrs ago, dont you? The world didnt end then, as far as i can remember! As long as your politicians didnt shoot their big mouths off about him, things should be just fine! but if they did, heaven help you! LOL

[@deanrobinson4129]

@theawesomeman9821 yes but we are geographically Europe so it would affect the uk also,

[@davidwoods7720]

Thank you so much Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@marvwatkins7029]

Thanks "Al" for everything and your efforts. ROO bad you didn't live long enough to see the results of the event.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice comment. I wonder how history might have been different if he had to another 30 years until his early 70's?

[@MikkellTheImmortal]

This was a fascinating story. One that I had never heard before. I too would like a video on Prince Albert.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment.

[@richardbradley2802]

Albert was a sad loss to Britain, as well as the Queen! Hip, Hip, Hurrah!

[@TheHistoryChap]

The more I learn about him, the more I am fascinated.

[@GregBangs-i1t]

This was well done & informative. What a sound diplomat!! YES.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@InternetDarkLord]

There was also a border dispute between the USA and the British Empire over the San Juan Islands on the Canadian-American border. It was nicknamed the Pig War because one farmer's pig was the only firearm fatality. International arbitration gave the islands to the USA.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video. Re the Pig War please check my channel.

[@edgabel6814]

God bless you, Albert.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@Clipgatherer]

Fighting a war with both the Confederate States _and_ the U.K. at the same time would have been disastrous for the United States. Thank God that Prince Albert could prevent that … from his deathbed.

[@user-mc4sq3fk5d]

Beg to differ. In 1861 maybe but assuming any war lasted more than 3-4 years the outcome would have been the same. The UK would not be able to project enough force to North America to make such an impact. This also doesn’t take into account the disaster France made-with the UK-in Mexico at the same time.

[@richardsimms279]

@user-mc4sq3fk5d We would have lost if war came in ‘61, they also would have recognized the Confederacy and put us in a diplomatic trap that could only be solved by getting involved with the British and French’s enemies, the Central Powers and/or Russia.

[@user-mc4sq3fk5d]

In what universe would the overstretched and very small British army manage to defeat, on land, the US military during the ACW?

[@Bigmojojo]

​@richardsimms279 If Robert E Lee couldn't get the confederatecy to organize against the North what makes you think the British could? The biggest mistake the South made during the Civil War was not centralizing their military to fight the North, they flat out refused to do this. The only thing the British could really do was break the North's navy blockade.

[@STho205]

If there had been a naval conflict with the Royal Navy then the entire Anaconda Plan would have fallen apart. As it was the Liverpool docks were building a bluewater Confederate Navy of privateer vessels and crewing them for Confederate captains. So yes, if the Royal Navy had engaged in blue water conflict, the Union Navy would not have been able to take New Orleans in 1862 which was the 1st move in winning the war in 4 years. All their Virginia campaigns failed in 1961 and 1862 all the way to the Union defeat in Chancellorsville. After that the supplies dwindled in the South. The Royal Navy could have escorted cargo ships of inflated cotton out of New Orleans, Galveston, Mobile, Savannah and Charleston....so the Confederate plan to fund the war would be a success. As to beating an army...an independence revolution only needs to outlast the rival government. The Continental Congress did it in 1775 to 1783 to the UK and the NVA did it to the US in the1970s.

[@allanburt5250]

Another cracking video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaeldonahoo461]

There is statue of Prince Albert in Sydney Australia in front of the Queen Victoria Building where is referred to as "Albert the Good"

[@t.wcharles2171]

A fitting moniker.

[@markswan3209]

It’s not at the QVB, it’s adjacent to Queen’s Square, looking across Macquarie Street to the statue of Queen Victoria.

[@michaeldonahoo461]

@@markswan3209 Thank you for the clarification.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@kenattwood8060]

Thank you for the best account of The Trent Affair that I have come across. I hopr that you will do a video about Prince Albert who is largley ignored in the official histories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video.

[@timjennings7342]

Yes to more on Prince Albert. I credit him with advancing Britain's openness to science and innovation in the Victorian age. I understand he persuaded Victoria to ride on a train, against the opposition of Luddites who thought she would not survive a ride. The personal support of the development of rail, by Queen Victoria, the public support and investment that followed, merit consideration. Oh for modern day state leaders to demonstrate such progressive intent! RIP Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria🙏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for your interesting feedback.

[@paintingpanzers]

I've stumbled across your channel by pure coincidence, and by god am I glad I did. I've binged your Anglo-Zulu War series, and now im fixated on the Victorian period. I can't wait to use your videos as inspiration for future painting guides on my own channel. Thank you for the brilliant content and I can't wait to watch more! 🎉

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@paintingpanzers]

@TheHistoryChap I've already purchase a ton of Zulus because of your content ... I have to blame someone else to get approval from the missus 😉

[@annehersey9895]

As an American, I can’t believe for a minute that Lincoln would ever even contemplate a war on two fronts. Luckily Lincoln was born and raised on the then American Frontier where all the tedium of protocol and pomp of the elite of Politics of the East were discarded for plain talking and cutting to the chase. I doubt there’s any way Lincoln would have been drawn into a war with Britain knowing that would be a death knell for the Union. I love how Victoria relied on Albert to assist her with her duties especially in foreign affairs which he was much more knowledgeable. I believe they were more Co-Monarchs than Parliament approved. I do know that in her office, Albert’s desk was right next to hers and they both read the dispatches in the Red Box. It’s my hope that Elizabeth II did the same with Philip but I suspect not for reasons unknown. Thanks for another great story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for posting a thought provoking comment.

[@B1Gdipper]

DIDN'T Honest Abe reputedly say to his cabinet during the American Civil War, regarding possible war with the UKGB, "ONE WAR AT A TIME." (IN the absolute classic Ken Burns series on the American Civil War).

[@annehersey9895]

@ Ah. Ken Burns, Master Storyteller. The number 1 documentary on Baseball! Yes Abe would have never gone to war with Britain at that time.

[@B1Gdipper]

@@annehersey9895 WHAT? KB did a doc on baseball ⚾? I NEED to see it!

[@annehersey9895]

@ OMG!!! It is THE best most comprehensive series ever! If you like baseball you MUST see it. And the episode on the Negro League will knock your socks off!

[@alexandermayakovsky6550]

Thanks Prof. History Chap! Your enthusiasm for and knowledge about your subjects is inspiring.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks for your support.

[@lkgreenwell]

An excellent chap, Mr Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Any chance of a vid on the Albert Memorial?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, might well add your suggestion to my ever growing list.

[@alcuinmagus]

Excellent history story. Thank you. I'd never known that before.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@bonaggy]

Albert was a true exemplar for the British. Much maligned at first, his charm, intelligence, and genuine interest in improving the lives of the poorest in the Empire won over even his harshest critics. Of course, his attitude to his children was also inspiring. Instead of the cold, detached childhood he’d endured. Instead, much to Victoria’s chagrin, he’d spend the early evenings with his children giving them warmth, interest, and genuine affection. If only we had such a guiding light in these grim days. The Confederates were far too confidant that King Cotton would draw Britain in to support them. This was misguided. US cotton was a convenience for us; it’s loss would not draw us into war. We had extensive cotton supplies in India, as well as many dyes used in its production. The only nuisance was the time it took to ship the raw cotton to Britain. So, while US cotton was preferred due to it being supplied quicker, the Confederates didn’t have the ace in the hand they believed. Britain would switch to India as our main supplier and deal with that rather than another dust up on the North American continent. I’m pretty sure Canada, though loyal, was also not desirous of another war given how sparse their local forces were. The war of 1812 had been a source of their foundation story, but in truth had been a waste for all involved, and worse, hadn’t addressed the issues that started the conflict, but merely reset the status quo. On the whole: Britain and France had decided to avoid being pulled into the Civil War. Sadly, there were those in industry who wanted the belligerent status to enable them to make money from selling weapons and other sundries to the combatants. The problem with our common origins with the US is that sometimes were too close and fail to give each other space and time. Another great video. I appreciate your work. It is always intelligent and well researched. Have a great day 🍻

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for your very informative feedback.

[@robhorne1342]

Yes Chris I would be interested in learning more about Prince Albert

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & your reply.

[@Johnny-Thunder]

I remember hearing about this episode in the Kenneth Burns documentary: ''one war at the time,' Lincoln said, and quietly let the two Confederates go.' By the way, I love the Victoria TV series (it may be a series for girls but I don't care, I love the hell out of it) and I wish they would make a 4th season: the end of the 4th season would likely be about the Trent Affair and then Albert passing away.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@patrickmullane30]

Absolutely outstanding. Thank you 🙏🏽🇺🇸🇬🇧cousin.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@frankfischer1281]

It would have been catastrophic, indeed, had a war between the U.S. and Britain been fought over the Trent Incident. The British Empire was at the height of its' existance, and the American Civil War had brought forth armaments technology to a very high level in America. It would certainly have been a bloody affair.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@flamingdonut9456]

Yes. The fact you gave quite the tease, hints at a great story for Albert.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@formwiz7096]

John Slidell was a citizen diplomat much like Ben Franklin. He tried to negotiate a peaceful settlement with Mexico over the annexation of TX. One irony is his brother's son, Ranald Slidell Mackenzie, was one of the famed Boy Generals of the Union army and went on to be a revered Indian fighter.

[@royrunyon1286]

Mackenzie commanded the force that defeated the Commanche at Palo Duro Canyon, Texas.

[@formwiz7096]

@@royrunyon1286 4th Cavalry was his regiment. He also led the Blanco Canyon and Remolino raids.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@couldbeanybody2508]

Alberts death is truly a tragedy, and all of the years his wife was forced to tolerate his absence, given their strong bond. Good video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

Died aged 42. But nine kids in 16 years would send anyone to an early grave.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@tenknifefoot3777]

Thank you for the very informative video, I was not aware of Prince Albert's involvment in this incident. Yes I would like to here more about the Prince.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and your vote for more about Prince Albert

[@alancat2705]

technological and scientifically Albert was way ahead of his time in making Britain a force to be reckoned with in becoming an industrial giant in the C19th .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@alancat2705]

@@TheHistoryChap thank you for your channel ; very refreshing to see history truly explained . cheers .

[@yannschonfeld5847]

Yes, Chris. More about Prince Albert please.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ok. Watch this space!

[@user-tp1bi6of3v]

Yes please do avideo on him. In a way he was the man and monarch that help save our American Republic.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@edwinsalau150]

you never cease to amaze me. Your presentation was spot on. Thanks you! Did the Washington naval treaty avert a UK and US war over battle ships?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Not to my understanding, although there was an interesting war game played by the US in 1920's/30's involving defending an invasion from British Canada.

[@richardsimms279]

Buster Brown’s Defense Plan No1 was quite interesting too, it was written about the same time as War Plan Red. They basically planned to turn MI and Upstate NY into a desert then fight a holding action in the rubble until the British came to relieve them. (Ironically, They weren’t coming Britain planned to write off Canada and interdict US shipping until the US got bored and would enter talks).

[@richardsimms279]

@edwinsalau150 No. The likelihood of the US and UK going to war at the time was near zero. Even the officers who generated the infamous War Plan Red were at a loss as to how such a war could happen. The problem for the UK Is they could no longer afford a naval construction race with the US. It was even a strain on US finances at the time.

[@blaisevillaume9051]

6:42 almost spit out my drink at that pronunciation of San Jacinto...not judging you just funny

[@TheHistoryChap]

You should hear Americans trying to pronounce names over on this side of the pond.

[@blaisevillaume9051]

@@TheHistoryChap Lol, predictably British appeal to symmetry...just take the comment and roll with it, liver lips

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

@@blaisevillaume9051 How pointlessly offensive.

[@johndilday1846]

@@TheHistoryChapI bet. We all screw up pronunciations.

[@grumpy-fox]

Yes ... a full video about prince Albert please

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your reply.

[@markcoveryourassets]

It’s as good as “in the can!”

[@GeoffreyEngelbrecht]

Is the Union Flag intentionally upside down signifying an emergency. ;-)

[@TheHistoryChap]

might be -:)

[@AlanDanskin]

My history teacher mentioned this when i was in 6th year. It's good to have the details fleshed out.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you found it interesting.

[@DAlycidon]

Could you do a video about the Siege of Tsingtao. It’s one of the more forgotten but really interesting battles of the First World War. Where the Japanese 18th Infantry Division and the 2nd battalion of the South Wales Borderers lay siege on the German port of Tsingtao in China. And was the only time where British soldiers took part in a Banzai charge alongside their Japanese allies against the Germans.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great idea. Leave it with me. Please make sure you subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it.

[@DAlycidon]

@ I’ve been subscribed for a long time now, and I love the content you make

[@colonelfustercluck486]

Tsingtao is where they still make a very good beer. It was started off by the early German immigrants in the area. It is veeery nice. (The beer is named 'Tsingtao', strangely enough)

[@dennisweidner288]

Good assessment. Prince Albert needs to be recognized more. In addition to the Trent Affair, it was under his tutelage that Victoria learned to be a queen and probably saved the monarchy.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

The 'What if' in this case is very interesting. North America was geared up for war, it's navy expanding at a tremendous rate. The cheapest way to interfere would have been to support the South and break the Northern blockade of Southern Ports. The South may well have become truly independent, but the problem of Britain seen supporting slavery would have caused a split in Britain itself. Napoleon III's declaration that he stood with Britain also helped defuse a potential war involving Britain, France, and both North and South America. A British build-up of troops in Canada would have forced Lincoln to base troops along the Northern border, thus weakening their efforts against the South. At the same time, Great Britain was busy with it's own problems in New Zealand, Southern Africa, and elsewhere, including opening up Japan ALONGSIDE the Americans not too long after the Trent Affair. As for North America, there were numerous wars against the indigenous Indian tribes at the same time, thus North America was already fighting a war on two fronts. The US Navy was supporting France in Mexico, too.

[@richardsimms279]

@robert-trading-as-Bob69 The USN bowed out once it became clear France was there to colonizes Mexico rather than collect their debt to France. A purer expression of what Washington thought of Maximilian was when Grant sent Sheridan and an entire Army Corps to the Mexican border immediately after Appomattox. He already had discussed with Lincoln face to face what was expected of him.

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

@richardsimms279 What impressed me was that the US Navy was involved with the blockade of the South, keeping busy around Mexican waters, sailing around the world on the look out for Confederate ships, and taking on the fledgling Japanese Navy during the American Civil War. I hadn't quite realized how large and professional the Union or US Navy had become, as everyone focuses on the major land battles and a few exciting naval encounters.

[@richardsimms279]

@robert-trading-as-Bob69 Our Navy was quite good, but it was too small to take on the RN, just like in 1812. We weren’t capable of fighting them toe to toe in blue water until around WW1.

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

@richardsimms279 I agree, but in looking into the conflicts of the 1800's, I was surprised to see the Union/ US Navy involved in more than one conflict AWAY from the Continental United States. Therefore your navy then was larger and more capable than most people assume. I found that titbit more interesting than the 'what if' scenario.

[@Mulberry2000]

The so called expansion of the US navy was really down to poor quality river ships. The US Navy was in no way on par with the Royal Navy and they knew it.

[@cyrano33]

Yes for a video on Prince Albert!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & the reply.

[@jkasiron2275]

Yes. It was unexpectedly touching to hear the description of a dying prince gathering his strength for one last service to his country. And mine.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@markcoveryourassets]

Thank you for your video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bigkanuna]

We also have the city of Prince Albert in Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bigkanuna]

@@TheHistoryChap Your Welcome

[@bobyouel7674]

great stuff well done

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@DPWebb79]

Yes please to Prince Albert

[@TheHistoryChap]

will do!

[@B1Gdipper]

YES! THIS story is riveting enuf to turn into a film, TV drama & play! HOW about a special on British & Canadian volunteers in the American Civil War on both sides; the USA & CSA?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will add that to my ever-growing list.

[@Johnny_Tambourine]

American teenager - "Do you have Prince Albert in a can?" Shop owner - "Yes we do" American teenager - "You better let him out so he can breath!!" Prank phone call made by American teens long ago. (Prince Albert tobacco)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.& your feedback!

[@shanemossmoss]

Thanks Chris great video and yes to a video on Prince Albert

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@greggweber9967]

President Lincoln was supposed to have said about this, "One war at a time."

[@inconnu4961]

Yes, so far about 11 people have mentioned this quote by Lincoln! Your contribution makes 12. Thank you! I will keep scrolling and see how many others felt the need to mention it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@phoenixrose1192]

Interesting video. I’ve always liked him, but I was unaware of this in our history. Thank you. It’s also worth remembering that Germans were incredibly similar to English people at the time. The anti-German rhetoric formed in WWI and beyond, which was rather sad to be honest.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@lorlabear]

Thank you - yes Prince Albert does deserve your attention

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@johnphillips1683]

Would be great to have a video about Prince Albert, for sure 🙂

[@TheHistoryChap]

I will get on the case. Thank you.

[@silmearendil]

The U.S. flag of 1861 did NOT look like that, lol! Yes please speak more about the Prince Albert, I will be fascinated..

[@mikespearwood3914]

To be fair, it must be hard to keep track of the US flag since the US rapidly expanded from it's inception to the 20th century.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@theblackbear211]

Thank you for another excellent, and well told bit of History. Prince Albert certainly showed himself to be a wise statesman. A minor detail - the USS San Jacinto was named for a river, the site of a battle in Texas, in Texas this is pronounced Juh-sin-toe even though the Spanish pronunciation would be Hah -seen-toe. Perhaps you might continue the British connection with the US Civil War with some discussion on the CSS Alabama and CSS Shenandoah, as well as how the Confederate Navy managed to be built, armed, and provisioned. As always, I thoroughly enjoy your site, I'll be looking forward to whatever comes next.

[@alganhar1]

British shipyards built warships for a LOT of countries. They would have happily built ships for the Union at the same time as building ships for the Confederacy. People read far too much into the construction of two pretty small ships, and forget the fact that the British Yards were building ships for a lot more than just the Confederacy at the time. It was accepted practice right up until the inter war years. The British Government allowed the practice as it kept British shipbuilding yards viable and profitable even when there were no current Royal Navy contracts for them. You can actually measure the decline of British shipbuilding starting from the efforts the US went to to forbid the practice, so drive British shipyards out of business in the inter war Naval Treaties. Because of those treaties British shipbuilding capacity had dropped by almost half by the time WWII rolled around....

[@theblackbear211]

@@alganhar1 Let me be clear, I'm not looking for a debate. I enjoy hearing The History Chap discuss both well known, and lesser known, details of history. I'm merely suggesting a less well known subject from this time in history, one that also touched on diplomacy, and the interpretation and evolution of international law.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@theblackbear211]

@@TheHistoryChap Thanks for your fine videos.

[@Idahoguy10157]

IIRC President Lincoln very quickly apologized to Britain. Captain Wilkes USN exceeded this orders

[@richardsimms279]

@Idahoguy10157. It was more of a Clintonian non-apology apology, they merely stated the facts, that Wilkes acted on his own authority. Palmerston wasn’t pleased with the tone of it at all but since Washington coughed up the prisoners they had no choice but to take the W. They didn’t even relieve Wilkes, who went on to create several more diplomatic incidents before being finally forced into retirement.

[@Idahoguy10157]

@ … “Not pleased with the tone”… I understand. Presidents don’t grovel. The State Department is in charge of that. Palmerston got an apology, and his Confederate emissaries were released to the British. Britain no longer had cause to go to war.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@aquariumdude7829]

​@@richardsimms279Wilkes sounds like he was a loose cannon.

[@jonmeek3879]

Great video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment.

[@FredrikLindahl-r5n]

Yes

[@TheHistoryChap]

Your vote has been counted.

[@chrish6317]

Happy to find your channel

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & Welcome

[@johnnycomelatly]

Did you know that the union flag is upside down.

[@nigelgarrett7970]

If you are talking about the two flags shown at 17:04 then the American flag is also wrong. At the time the flag would have had 34 stars.

[@TheHistoryChap]

That was AI. Thanks for watching.

[@Mrcodewarrior77006]

Awesome video, thank's for posting it. BTW, San Jacinto is pronounced "san ja sin toe" with the emphasis on the 'sin'.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your comment.

[@mikelewis9980]

As an American i recognize the relatively short time our nation has existed and yet we are rich in history. The history you provide has helped me to really appreciate that fact and to open my eyes to the rest of the world's past. Ive always been an amateur buff for American history but compared to Britain's history were kinda off record pre colonial.

[@SamJohnstone-t3k]

America is quite young, the Romans were in Britain for twice as long as there has been a United States for example

[@DeMontaigne86]

The Romans did not occupy Britain for 500 uears.

[@SamJohnstone-t3k]

@@DeMontaigne86 465 yrs

[@DeMontaigne86]

@@SamJohnstone-t3k AD 43 to AD 410 = 367 years

[@snacks1184]

​@@DeMontaigne86Romans were active in Britain into the mid 5th century.

[@hotmechanic222]

Yes a video on Prince Albert would be interesting

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & your comment.

[@terry58501]

So to clarify, the Brits decided that forcibly removing people from a non-belligerent vessel was illegal. Fascinating.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@terry58501]

@TheHistoryChap Nothing against Prince Albert. He did a fabulous job. This isn't a story we hear about in the States. I just find it interesting the legal stance that Britain took about yoinking people off ships given some of the lead up to that little tussle we had in 1812.

[@timjennings7342]

Hypocrisy in statecraft??! Who could conceive such a thing??!😂

[@tom1973]

You need to move on.

[@robertjenkinson6141]

I knew about the Trent affair, didn't know about Prince Albert's role.Good Old Bertie helped save blighty.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@morgan97475]

Very interesting indeed. I never knew of this event.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@JohnIshikawa]

A very interesting glimpse into the minutiae that was top of mind of many readers of news on both sides of the Atlantic at that time.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.