What nickname was given to Democrats who sympathized with Confederates during the Civil War?

The nickname given to Democrats who sympathized with the Confederates during the Civil War is indeed "Copperhead Democrats." This term was primarily used to describe those in the Northern states who opposed the war and advocated for a negotiated peace with the Confederacy. The Copperheads believed that continuing the conflict was unnecessary and counterproductive, viewing it as a threat to civil liberties and a drain on resources.

The term "Copperhead" itself evokes an image of a snake, suggesting that these individuals were seen as treacherous or harmful to the Union cause. They were often critical of President Abraham Lincoln and his policies, particularly concerning the war efforts and the draft. Their opposition to the war created significant tension within the Union, as many viewed them as undermining the fight against the Confederacy.

In contrast, Radical Republicans were a faction within the Republican Party that advocated for strong civil rights protections and a more aggressive approach towards the South, while carpetbaggers were Northern individuals who moved South after the war, typically to exploit the Reconstruction situation. Scalawags referred to Southern whites who supported Reconstruction efforts and the Republican Party. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role of Copperhead Democrats in the broader landscape of Civil War politics and their opposition to the prevailing Union war effort.