Chief,

I happened to see this post and I think the overwhelming deciding factor was something simpler than political motivations or a "Cause". I grew up in SW Virginia near the Eastern Kentucky border. My ancestors were all CSA. These men were poor dirt farmers, barely educated, but with an overwhelming sense of community and family pride. The region was strongly pro-Union until secession became a reality. After the break the men of the region put themselves into the fray on the side where their communities lay geographically,, the South. The land was their home, therefore the Confederacy was their home. You don't mess with a Mountaineer's home or family..I believe this was a predominate situation for the men of this region. No one in my family ever owned slaves. I don't believe they would have owned any even if they could afford it. I believe they would have, like myself, been appalled at one person owning another. But these men did know loyalty to their home(the land), family and friends. They were naturally suspicious, as am I, of a large organization such as the Federal government. when it became obvious that the Federals would invade that home to get to the other states in secession, the choice was cut and dried. But what it comes down to is the one thing that holds soldiers together. The loyalty to the guy you are in the fighting hole with, and to a Civil War soldier that guy was a brother, cousin, or a friend you grew up with. I for one did not believe in our presence in Asia so many years ago but I went. I fought for my buddy next to me. I am sure that was the deciding factor in our ancestors' decision to fight for either side. They didn't know the government officials or politicians' rhetoric. The did however know the guy next to them and self respect and honor would not let them turn their backs on their friends, family, and community. As it should be today,and is rare at this time, loyalty to blood(family) and the community was paramount. As someone once said..All that counts is blood...the rest are just strangers....

Len