Of course the Civil War itself was settled.
But the South’s justification for secession remains an open issue for many and is a worthwhile inquiry. War may settle power, not necessarily moral right.
“But the South’s justification for secession remains an open issue for many and is a worthwhile inquiry. War may settle power, not necessarily moral right.”
No it is not an open issue. The South thought secession was an option. It was determined that it was not an option. It is not an open issue, nor is it even close to an open issue.
It’s interesting from a historical perspective to be sure, but this sort of discussion, framed as you have framed it makes it seem like you want to try again.
The South should not be condemned for asserting their independence during the Civil War as Americans. The North should not be condemned for preventing it from succeeding as Americans.
The precedent is set, without regard to moral right or wrong or any other Constitutional interpretation. There will be no seceding from the Union. That’s the way it is.
“War may settle power, not necessarily moral right.”
It will probably take another nationally severely traumatic event to stem the rising tide of Federal Power. That is one thing that is still not settled since the Civil War - how big, how pervasive can the Federal entity grow at the expense of States Rights? Will the 10th Amendment ever be restored completely to it’s Constitutional intent?