IMO, slavery was an excuse, money and power were the real culprits. (I’m from the South of course)
We’ll alway beleive the war was the result Northern (Federal)agression. As will the next one if it comes to pass.
"The most powerful (motivation for secession), as it always has been, in revolutionary movements, was personal ambition. There was something peculiarly fascinating to bold, ambitious men in the thought of forming a great slaveholding confederacy, embracing fifteen states over which they would bear sway; with an aristocratic class to support their authority; with cotton, the greatest wealth-producing staple the world has ever known, as the basis of unparalleled prosperity, and with an obedient, servile race to perform all labor, and minister to the comfort and wants of this superior class as long as governments should last. Of course this motive was concealed...
There was nothing honorable or noble in the power lust of the Southern secessionists. Thankfully for our nation we had a man the quality of Abraham Lincoln available to lead in thwarting the power grab. Always distrust those who would exploit and agitate dissatisfaction. When the poor rebel soldier and his family needed help from their "betters" who led led them into rebellion, the big shots were rarely around except to squeeze the last dime out of the widows and orphans.