[DiogenesLamp]

The Civil War was started because of acts of attempted secession and aggression by secessionists attacking federal installations. Nonetheless, it was a Civil War.

That is the popular propaganda that has been encouraged by those in the wrong for over a century, but it is not accurate.

The Civil War was fought to keep $300 million in European Trade flowing through the port of New York and the Ports of New England.

An independent South would cost the New York Robber Barons grievous losses of income, and so they convinced their primary agent in Washington to launch a war to stop Southern independence.

The Civil war was started over money. Always follow the money.

[Gaffer]

You give reasons that could explain the actual forcing actions, but nonetheless the physical responses triggered the war.

[T-Bone Texan]

Your thesis on the true cause of the Civil War intrigues me.

Were there no ports in the South that could have been used? Did trade have to go through northern ports?

I agree with the money angle, but seek clarification.