[DiogenesLamp]

In the case of the United States, it was still an open question as of 1859 what degree of sovereignty actually lies with the several states which formed These United States. The war settled that question.

It settled the question as a matter of force, but it did nothing to settle the philosophical understanding established by our own Declaration of Independence that people have a right to leave a government which they believe no longer serves their interest.

The conclusion of the US civil war merely re-iterated the old adage that "Might makes right."

[packrat01]

The conclusion of the US civil war merely re-iterated the old adage that "Might makes right."

Beat me to it...

(note to self, read ALL posts before replying.)