The Confederate States of America, commonly known as the CSA, is a confederation of republics in North America. It declared itself independent on 4 March 1861, and after fighting a war against the United States of America, with help from British, German and Swedish forces, it was recognized by the US government as an independent nation 1 May 1864. Originally, the CSA consisted of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas, soon joined (on 12 April 1861) by Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina. Capital of the CSA is Danville, Virginia.