Why are the Confederates demonized for their part in the American Civil War? The freeing of slaves was a consequence of the war and not a reason. | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Why are the Confederates demonized for their part in the American Civil War? The freeing of slaves was a consequence of the war and not a reason.

by Electrode

Furthermore, why is the outrage of the Confederate flag, or rather the Robert E. Lee Battle Flag suddenly hate flag? I know the Klan kinda ruined that one but I don't get why it came to a head now.

Georgy_K_Zhukov

Your premise is wrong. Freeing the slaves may have been a consequence, but continuation of the institution of slavery was very much the cause. I would direct you to this previous answer on the matter.