Pam, It really makes you stop and wonder why so many did join. As far a political reasons, I am not sure of that, maybe some of the men that were in cities and had access to the news of the day. But for the most part my ancestors were just poor dirt farmers, probably could not read or write, and had little use for any politicians. (the last part of that sounds like me today). Of all my ancestors Gen. Henry Wise would have been the only one that would have had political reasons.
I had one ancestor that was killed at Ellison's Mill (or Ellerson's Mill). A couple of years ago I was taking a battlefield trip in Virginia, so I went to Beaver Dam Creek where the mill was close by. I found the original foundation of the mill, and stood there and wondered where he was, how the fight was going for his regiment, and where he fell. Sort of an strange feeling. I also had an ancestor that served with Lee, Gen. Wise, and on another trip I was at Sharpsburg, Md. and located a marker about where the Wise Legion was located during that battle. Also had ancestors that surrendered with Lee, and some that served and surrendered with Johnston. Good ole Sherman marched right through one of their parlors, and burnt the house when he walked out the other door.
I like to follow the path the army took, as much as possible, to see what the terrain was and just imagine what hardships they faced getting through the areas, especially after rains with muddy roads, and creeks and rivers over flowing. Every time I get near Atlanta I always think what Gen. Johnston and Sherman would think if they could see now what a dreadful place that is. I would bet that if they could they would have went some where and played a game of chess instead of fighting over that place!
But all this is probably for another thread.
Hope you and everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.