I wouldn't say we hijacked the thread. What does it take to be "officially" recognized as a country? The Confederacy carried on trade with foreign countries. They had their own postal system and currency and banks. How much more legit can you get? They elected their local, state, and national governments. They prospered in industry, agriculture, science, and the arts. Who issues the "official country status certificates"? The congress decided after the war that the recognized name of the conflict would be known as The War Between the States.