I've come to the conclusion that this war, like all others was precipitated and manipulated by the ruling class.
The typical southerner outside slave strongholds didn't have a dog in the fight. The wealthy slave holders owned the southern politicians in the same way special interests own our politicians today.
The entire slave economy which benefited only a relative few monetarily was threatened and the ruling class using their politicians, press, etc. responded with the proper rhetoric to rile up the masses to fight for a "cause". That "cause" was deception to promote the preservation of a more sinister agenda. Consider Confederate money art. Money art often enshrines ideals of cherished institutions. The most near and dear institution to those who printed the money was slavery.
