So I've heard this several times throughout history classes and brief mentions in several reputable history books owed to Britain's economic "dependence" on the raw resources produced in the Confederate States of America (Southern states). Was there any serious consideration of Britain allying themselves with the Confederate States of America beyond economic relief and minimal military support?
On a side note, what is the most accurate term to use when referring to Britain? I've seen England, Britain, Great Britain, and several other terms, many of which have a variety of meanings in contemporary English.
It was never very likely at all. The Confederate leadership, and the southern people in general, underestimated the degree to which anti-slavery feeling was present in the UK, and overestimated the degree to which British industry was reliant on southern cotton exports. That a bumper crop of cotton had been exported in the year prior to the conflict meant that British warehouses were bulging with surplus cotton, and by the time that ran out, other sources became available (Egypt, I believe).
This didn't stop the Confederacy from banking very heavily on British intervention, especially in the first years of the war on it, but this was proven very misguided indeed. The first diplomatic mission sent to the UK was headed by William Yancey, a famous "fire-eater" politician from Alabama. He was received informally by Lord Russell, and the situation deteriorated from there, with the mission being treated with increasing coolness. The most he could get out of the British was a declaration of neutrality and the recognition of the Confederacy as belligerents.
In 1862, Yancey was recalled, to be replaced by James Mason. Mason and Slidell (ambassador to France) inadvertently came as close as anyone ever did to drawing Britain into the war, when they were taken off the British steamer Trent by Captain Charles Wilkes of the USS San Jacinto. Britain was furious, believing this to be an act of official policy, and pressed for their release on legal grounds. This should not be interpreted as sympathy for the Confederacy, but rather outrage over violation of British neutrality. The two were released, and the situation soon died down. Mason's mission, like Yancey's before him, was virtually an abject failure. The military support secured for the Confederacy was private; they contracted with British shipyards and munitions manufacturers, but the British government did not provide direct aid to the Confederacy.
McPherson, James. Battle Cry of Freedom
Foote, Shelby. The Civil War
Wise, Stephen R. Lifeline of the Confederacy
On a side note, what is the most accurate term to use when referring to Britain? I've seen England, Britain, Great Britain, and several other terms, many of which have a variety of meanings in contemporary English.
Here, have an educational video!