Uh, because it is? Let's see:
1. States' rights. Yeah, for what? To own other human beings like cattle? Excuse me if I don't quite sympathize with
that. Not to mention the South had no problem with riding roughshod over states' rights when they were still large and in charge, ex. Fugitive Slave Act. Again, excuse me if I've no sympathy for hypocritical slavocrats.
No, the federal government was passing laws that the constitution did not give it the power to pass. As General Pickett described it, "It's like a gentlemen's club. We joined of our own free will, and the club leaders decided to peer into our personal affairs. Now, they are telling us that we don't have the right to leave the club."
2. Tariffs, again - lolwut?
The Tariff of 1857 was the lowest in the country's history, so low that while it obviously benefited Southerners it damaged Northern industries. The South doesn't make up the entire country and its interests shouldn't be prioritized over those of the rest of the country, ya know?
Heh? How? It made it more expensive to export cotton and buy european goods, how did it hurt industry?
3. Federal oppression? Don't make me laugh. Ever heard of the
3/5ths compromise? No? To give you an idea - what d'you think would've happened if three-fifths of New England's ships were allowed to vote? This compromise allowed the Southern states to wield disproportionate power in the Federal government, and as mentioned above to run roughshod over states' rights whenever they weren't on the receiving end.
Look, slaves were not even thought of as people, the 3/5ths compromise was in response to the South Carolinian ideas that a state's representation should be based on wealth, in which case the New England ships would count. Look, the feds requested the compromise, not the south.
4. I'll hit this button before you can
- Yes, not all Southerners fought to preserve slavery. In fact, most probably didn't, including my ancestor. But this in no way changes the fact that, by fighting for the South, they were unintentionally doing just that; trying to preserve slavery. Most German soldiers probably just wanted to restore the greatness of their nation and couldn't give two
about this kooky Nazi BS being spouted by Hitler & company, but did that in any way stop Hitler and the SS from carrying out the Holocaust?
How? WTF? That doesn't make sense, as I've stated above the federal government was using powers it didn't have, so they seceded. The men fought for their rights. As one soldier said (yes, in the movie gettysburg, so what) "I ain't fightin' fer no darkies either way, I is fightin' fer my rights."
And yes, despite being a generally center-rightist Virginian with somewhat libertarian social views I'd be quite happy to fight for the Union if I were somehow transported back to 1861. Just sayin'.
And, being slightly Libertarian, I'm sure you would. It's your choice, just sayin'.