The north went to war to save the union and in the process freed the slaves. The south went to war to save slavery and in the process lost everything.
I have no argument with this claim. It accurately states the Union objectives at the beginning of the war.
However, why didn't the Southern states have just as much right to their independence as did the colonies from Britain? Again, the declaration of Independence (our founding document) recognizes the right of people to abolish one from of government and create another to their liking.
--That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.