“Not that it will matter because it’s all in the past, but if you have evidence which counters this “money” motive for the war, I would be interested in hearing it.”
First, let me thank you for the time you took in crafting your reply. You make some very interesting points and make it well worth considering this money and power angle further.
I have a lot of thoughts percolating at the moment.
I will answer your post at length but I am at work at the moment and must beg your indulgence until I can get a reply off to you this evening.
To foreshadow my reply, the long national argument over the issue of slavery prepares the populations on both sides for the mass warfare to come. The power and money issue you propound ensures that, once there really is a real, no kidding, in fact, secession by the South and the probability of hostilities, there is going to be sustaining support in the North (in both $$$ and media) to keep the war going to its victorious conclusion.
The war pits Southern elite existential desperation against Northern elite grim determination. Hence, the meat grinder.
Yes, this is what I am thinking. Look forward to your further thoughts on the matter.