Really, before Lincoln people were patriots of their states or commonwealths and our country was more a United Nations than a United States. The constitution was respected then.
It was “my country right or wrong” in the South and defending their homes from the evil invading hordes of blue barbarians was their patriotic duty.
The issue of black slavery was nothing to the Southern soldier except as an excuse used by foreign invaders to loot, rape and burn their way across his beloved country.
It was “my country right or wrong” in the South and defending their homes from the evil invading hordes of blue barbarians was their patriotic duty. So you are saying that the million or so 'Boy's in Blue' who volunteered to risk their lives defending the Union were just an invading horde, and not patriotic young men doing what they thought was right?