First:
I am a "bit" of a buff myself on the subject. I have been a reenactor for 15 years, and hold a degree in US History, from University of Texas, Austin.
There was no disrespect intended, but I find it discouraging that someone with an education (I am assuming here, again, not to insult) would believe that the WBTS was fought over Slavery. It was only one of MANY causes, and the real underlying cause had to do with States-Rights. Slavery just happened to be the issue that was used to goad Southerners with. And the first slaves were sold in New England, and New England Shipping Tycoons made their money transporting slaves,etc. They are just as guilty. In our Texas History books, we were taught just that.
One of the problems with a free-flowing thread that you can step into the middle of the discussion without full appreciating what came before. I came into this thread with the following comment (post #317):
There are several causes but if you don't include among them, the desire on the part of the Southern states to protect the institution of slavery and to perpetuate its spread into the territories, you're not being honest.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it ...