One of the most convoluted themes in history is that of the meaning of war. The American Civil War in particular offers many different explanations regarding the true cause for which over 600,000 men dedicated themselves and lost their lives. The Civil War was especially true, as there was no universal acceptance of the war's goals or causes on either side. Union and Confederate leaders outlined starkly different reasons for fighting, amplifying hostility between the two regions both before and during the war. The Confederacy insisted that, based on overwhelming sentiment, its secession was an inevitability that was within the bounds of constitutional law. The South justified this secession and resulting violence by claiming that the federal government had become tyrannical and was violating state rights. In the years preceding the Civil War, a pertinent issue for both sides was the question of implementing slavery in the newly admitted states as the nation expanded westward. The issue of slavery in this case was more political than moral, as the issue revolved around the concept of representation in Congress. The North concentrated its efforts on preventing the union from splitting into separate factions. From the Union's perspective, the Civil War represented a struggle to protect the union of states and the future of democracy for the entire world. The Civil War, for both the Union and the Confederacy, was a struggle to preserve each side's conception of legal and natural rights as they pertain to liberty for all. During the war, both sides made a substantial effort to enlist the support of nations abroad. Foreign recognition and support from the South...... middle of paper......, and both claimed to be fighting against the other's tyranny. The Union sought to see an end to minority tyranny before it brought about the destruction of democracy. The Confederacy felt it was being abused by the tyranny of the majority. The Union argued that it was impossible for the South to “legally” secede from the United States. The South insisted that state rights were paramount in the event of secession and that it was possible to secede peacefully and legally. The issues that divided the North and the South were complex and fundamental and persist to this day. The causes, goals, and meaning of the war for us Americans are still part of our national discussion as we debate the issues of representative government, majority/minority tyranny, and the importance of adherence to constitutional principles..