Originally Posted by
Houston Techsan
My great grandfather also fought for the Confederacy and also did not own slaves - neither did his father or any of his five brothers (three served with him in the 2nd Alabama Cavalry and one other in an infantry regiment). While slavery was the prime reason for the war it wasn't the reason most on either side fought, especially the westerners. I don't believe that modern people can understand the difference. When an army invades your home you want to defend it. There were some reparations paid to northern sympathizers for damages etc but very little. When the Union Army (especially Sherman) went through they just took everything and didn't ask or care if you owned slaves.