No, they were told it was for their state. Do you think American soldiers have the same motivation the government has to go to war? Why would you think it was different then or at any time in history?
The South attacked first, that’s not defense of self-government and their homes. That was the motivation of the average foot soldier but not the people starting the war. Part of what they wanted to self-govern was slavery, and was the main conflict between northern and southern politicians.
Most men in the South did not own slaves. Do you think they took up arms so that rich planters could keep their property?
No, they were told it was for their state. Do you think American soldiers have the same motivation the government has to go to war? Why would you think it was different then or at any time in history?
That's exactly my point. The war was primarily about defending self-government and their homes.
The South attacked first, that’s not defense of self-government and their homes. That was the motivation of the average foot soldier but not the people starting the war. Part of what they wanted to self-govern was slavery, and was the main conflict between northern and southern politicians.