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Historically it’s not really quite so simple when speaking of the Civil War. It’s difficult to understand today, but prior to the war, very few people thought of themselves as Americans. Most people owed allegiance to their state more so than to the US. If you asked someone where they were from, more than likely they’d call themselves a Virginian, a Pennsylvanian, or a New Yorker, rather than an American.

For those living in the states that seceded this posed a quandry — either you had to support your state of the USA. Either way, you’re a traitor! For most, the easiest and most natural decision was to support your state. That’s the reason, for example, Robert E. Lee turned down a commission in the Union Army. He could not bring himself to fight against his home state of Virginia.

Someone like this soldier hardly could be blamed for fighting for his home state. It’s really to his credit though that he realized eventually that he was fighting for the wrong side and for a futile cause.

"It’s difficult to understand today, but prior to the war, very few people thought of themselves as Americans. Most people owed allegiance to their state more so than to the US. If you asked someone where they were from, more than likely they’d call themselves a Virginian, a Pennsylvanian, or a New Yorker, rather than an American."

True statement.

Someone like this soldier hardly could be blamed for fighting for his home state. It’s really to his credit though that he realized eventually that he was fighting for the wrong side and for a futile cause.

The right to independence is not a futile cause.