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The '''Copperheads''' were a powerful [[Democratic Party|faction of the Democratic party]] in the North who opposed the [[American Civil War]], wanting an immediate peace settlement with the [[Confederate States of America]] knowing that meant independence for the Confederacy and the continuation of slavery. They bitterly opposed the U.S. government under [[Abraham Lincoln]], denouncing him as a tyrant; some collaborated with Confederates and were tried for treason fo so doing.  Their opponents in the Democratic Party were supporters of the war called [[War Democrats]]. The Copperheads battled the War Democrats and usually succeeded in taking control of the Democratic party in most the northern states. After the war, the Republicans for decades ridiculed many Democrats as "Copperheads" even if they were passive during the war.

The '''Copperheads''' were a powerful [[Democratic Party|faction of the Democratic party]] in the North who opposed the [[American Civil War]], wanting an immediate peace settlement with the [[Confederate States of America]] knowing that meant independence for the Confederacy and the continuation of slavery. They bitterly opposed the U.S. government under [[Abraham Lincoln]], denouncing him as a tyrant; some collaborated with Confederates and were tried for treason for doing so.  Their opponents in the Democratic Party were supporters of the war called [[War Democrats]]. The Copperheads battled the War Democrats and usually succeeded in taking control of the Democratic party in most the northern states. After the war, the Republicans for decades ridiculed many Democrats as "Copperheads" even if they were passive during the war.

The name ''Copperheads'' was given to them by their opponents the [[Republican Party]], after a hard-to-spot venomous snake.  Copperheads reinterpreted this insult as a term of honor, and wore copper liberty-head coins as badges. They were also called "Peace Democrats" and "Butternuts". The most famous Copperhead was Ohio's [[Clement L. Vallandigham]], who was a vehement opponent of President Lincoln's policies.  For many years after the war Republicans ridiculed Democratic politicians for taking support from Copperheads who were treasonous during the war.

The name ''Copperheads'' was given to them by their opponents the [[Republican Party]], after a hard-to-spot venomous snake.  Copperheads reinterpreted this insult as a term of honor, and wore copper liberty-head coins as badges. They were also called "Peace Democrats" and "Butternuts". The most famous Copperhead was Ohio's [[Clement L. Vallandigham]], who was a vehement opponent of President Lincoln's policies.  For many years after the war Republicans ridiculed Democratic politicians for taking support from Copperheads who were treasonous during the war.