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It was always about preserving the Union, and not exactly the noble reasons espoused by Lincoln, et al. Rather, it was simply a raw exercise in power, no different than GBs attempt at defeating the Revolution.

And yet people really believed in the country, the flag, the union, and fought and died nobly for that cause.

By your logic, idealism is only possible in conflicts in a country that would never have much materially and would never matter much in the world.

In fact, richer and more successful countries are very good at arousing idealism and emotion in their citizens.

Turn you argument around. Are all of our feelings of patriotism today based on greed and materialism?

If that's not true for us today, why would it be true for people and their leaders in the past?

[semantic]

Are you suggesting the quest for empire, whether it was Rome, Britain or the US, was based on patriotism, rather than a naked quest for power, wealth & control?

Both sides of the political spectrum have their useful idiots. The left can reliably count on their constituents who care not a whit about morality. The right has their own version, those who cannot quite conceive their leaders use them to satisfy their own selfish ends.

Here's a question for you: why the high suicide rates among former military? Could it be veterans found out the truth after they were used, abuse and discarded, much like a cheap whore? Next, I imagine you're going to assert that GW1 & 2 were *not* about blood for oil.

I don't have an issue with those who wish to entertain morality and other theological motivations; but, please, keep it to yourself. It's the height of foolishness to engage in the wider field abroad.