[Non-Sequitur]

The State was supreme in society and each one had a pride and dignity that was celebrated by its people.

"Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations." -- George Washington, 1796

[Rebelbase]

It took a civil war to make people believe that way.