Unsung Scots in American History #1

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I think McMurdo has rather accurately summarized the root cause of the American Civil War. It was a test of wills over which would be more powerful: a central Federal government increasingly dominated by North Eastern regional interests, or the governments of the individual States, each exercising their own sovereign rights. Had President Buchanan had a second term of office it is unlikely that there would have been a war, and it is most likely that the Confederacy would have succeeded as a separate nation. To suggest that the Civil War was fought to free the slaves is as naive as suggesting that the Second World War was fought to liberate concentration camps. Both of these events were consequences of the conflicts, but neither was the purpose for going to war in the first instance.

For those who might care to reach an independent conclusion concerning the causa bellum between the Federal Government and the States, you may wish to read WAR FOR WHAT by Francis W. Springer, pub. by Bill Coats, Ltd., 1990, ISBN:0-931709-11-3 (paperback).

The author was born in Washington DC, raised and educated in New York, served in the New York National Guard, and was married to a lady from Boston. Despite having what, on the surface, may appear as "regional prejudices", his book provides an interesting assessment of the causes of the conflict.

Now, since it would appear that further discussion will center on topics displeasing to some, and for which two warnings have been issued (something I would hardly have characterized as "so, so many") I will ask the Mods to close this thread to further discussion.

[BoldHighlander]

There is so much I could say on the subject, but I learned a long time ago to never poke a stick into a hornet's nest

Peace.

[macwilkin]

I think we would do well to follow the example of these two fine gentlemen:



Johnny Reb on the left, Billy Yank on the right. Note the Odd Fellow badge on Billy's jacket.

"...that man tae man shall brithers be, for a' that." So mote it be.

Loyally,

Todd

[Steve Ashton]

Thread closed at the request of the Original Poster.