Why did the major European powers not diplomatically recognize the South even though there was some popular support for the Rebellion?

Answer 1

Although the United Kingdom was heavily invested in Southern cotton, the general population and much of Parliament was against slavery as England had abolished the practice in 1834 in the West Indies. France on the other hand was immersed in war and intrigue in Mexico and was reluctant to incur the wrath of Union inteference in Mexico. Indeed 2 weeks after the surrender of Lee 50,000 cavalry armed with new repeating rifles under the command of Sheridan rode to the Mexican border as a show of force to the French Empire.