Why the South Fought the Civil War

A Confederate $50 banknote depicts enslaved persons farming (Image Credit: Wikimedia)

Incredibly, many Americans in the 21st century remain confused about the causes and meaning of the Civil War, the worst and most important armed conflict in US history.

Many assume the Rebels fought primarily to preserve slavery, while others believe the South seceded to secure its freedom from a tyrannical government.

Historical documents conclusively settle the matter. It is not difficult to ascertain the motives of the secessionists; their leaders were literate men who had the good sense to record their intentions for posterity with absolute clarity. We pay proper respect to the dead by heeding how they explained their decision to quit and make war upon the United States.

Mississippi’s secession declaration, issued January 9, 1861 (Image Credit: Wikimedia)

In January 1861, the Mississippi Legislature issued its secession manifesto. Echoing the structure of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, the elected representatives of the state’s white population listed the grievances that motivated them to explained their decision to secede:

“Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery.…

“[A] blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization.…