Why didn't the British get involved in the American Civil War?

Support for the Confederacy in Britain split roughly on class lines. The upper classes tended to support the south - though often more from a distaste for Yankee Democracy than love of the southern way of life. The middle an lower classes supported the Union. read more

The British DID get involved in the American Civil War, although more as individuals than as an official government action. The reason why the Brits got involved were many, but two of the most prevalent were commercial and a lingering forlorn hope of regaining at least some influence in the erstwhile colonies. read more

British public opinion was divided on the American Civil War. The Confederacy tended to have support from the elites--from the aristocracy and gentry, which identified with the landed plantation owners, and from Anglican clergy and some professionals who admired tradition, hierarchy and paternalism. read more