As opposed to those that tried to aquire power and lost power as a result of the Civil War.
The South tried to trade directly with Europe without sending 40% of the profits to the people who ruled New York and Washington DC.
Those powerful men into who's pockets this money flowed, objected, and used their influence to launch a war against the South to stop them from trading directly with Europe.
Money. The Civil war was about greed and power from the North East, and these people in that region still control and rule the country to this very day. They are the "establishment" who own the media and fund the party of Government known as the Democrats. (Also the Rinos.)
The "Empire State" is aptly named.