[DiogenesLamp]

Should we not take the southern secessionists at their word when they said that they were acting to protect their slave interests?

Acting in the belief that one is protecting one's self interests is a non remarkable position. What were the Northern interests? They were the ones who invaded.

[combat_boots]

The Northern interests were control of and profit from Westward expansion, to include rail, resources, and assets.

Remember what came just AFTER 1865.

Monopolies.