Rose is correct, there were multi-reasons for secession. The second wave particularly was primarily over opposition to Lincoln's war and his disregard for State sovereignty. Whether the individual issues were slavery, economics, northern terrorism, maritime trade, State sovereignty or Congressional discrimination in funding to southern States these were all viewed as transgressions to the rights of individual states. The trip wire that set the lower south off was the election of the very unpopular Republican administration of Abraham Lincoln. And yes he had a racial agenda to purify the United States into becoming an all white nation or at the very least segregationist in nature. He would start with the territories, then it was believed in time with increasing Federal power over the States, induce forced colonization of blacks out of the United States. In the meantime, following the John Brown raid on Harper's Ferry, all restraints on abolitionist-led terrorism would be withheld. The deep South, so dependent on the slave population would not cooperate and greatly feared the "fanatical" abolitionist. Internal security was a big problem. It was a two edged sword for the slaves. They wanted to be free but did not want to be forced into exile where living conditions may be even worse. The South was their home. Even in Missouri there was a Republican campaign slogan crafted by Frank Blair, was "Missouri For White Men" (meaning no blacks, free or slave). This is all history that you will not read in the school textbooks. It is much easier to simply state slavery was the cause and leave it at that. Because of the war, the Republican racial agenda could not be carried out. Lincoln needed a propaganda ploy to keep the British from intervening. He issued the emancipation proclamation. He also needed more soldiers and colored troops were the answer. After being forced to make take these war measures he had to reconsider his agenda. Luckily that turn of events was for the good of America and good for blacks but that is why black historian Lerone Bennett, Jr. titled his book, "Forced Into Glory: Abraham Lincoln's White Dream." Once the war began Lincoln realized that his cause was also to preserve the Union, he had to lay his agendas aside. Freeing the slaves eventually was needed and both sides decided to use colored troops (the Union in 1863 and the Confederacy in early 1865) By late 1864, the Confederacy began receiving petitions from politicians and soldiers urging the enlistment black troops. Jefferson Davis administration in 1865 announced, "Let us say to every Negro who wants to go into the ranks, go and fight, and you are free....Fight for your masters and you shall have your freedom." More history left out of the history books. [black confederates: http://www.missouridivision-scv.org/blackconfed.htm ] The cause of the Civil War was a complex situation. That was all the work of politicians. What we honor is the courage, valor of the common soldier, both Union and Confederate. The soldiers themselves were for the most part teenagers without any wealth of there own. They were only doing there duty as called upon by their nation or individual states. They fought heroically, giving their lives for their country. Virtually all southern soldiers fought to repel invaders, that was their "cause" (not slavery); virtually all the northern soldiers fought to preserve the union. These are reasons why Civil War buffs are so incensed when it comes to politicians that have no understanding of history, dictate to us what our heritage means. Yes, slavery played a big part of stirring up the crisis but that is NOT what we honor or admire. Whatever the "cause" of the politicians, it was the "cause" and valor of the common soldier, blue and gray that captivates us.These men had the purest intentions and do not deserve the mockery they are getting from ignorant political weevils of the present day. And sure I will even tip my hat to Lincoln and Jeff Davis for doing the right thing in the end. Scott K. Williams, Webmaster The Missouri Civil War Museum http://www.missouricivilwarmuseum.org/