It's also difficult to realize that most of the young men fighting and dying for the CSA ... were individuals who felt they were defending their homeland.

Its also apparently difficult for some people to realize that in many
(most?) instances soldiers have little or no accutate idea of what they are fighting for. Lots of grunts in Iraq believe the fairytale that they're "defending America". They have to rationalize their participation somehow.

The plain, uncontrovertable fact is that the Confederate States of America was formed and went to war and fought for four years for the right to keep other human beings in bondage to maintain the southern slave-based economy, which regional economic system benefited the entire southern population not just the big plantation owners.

Amnecdotal tales of "loyal slaves" or "homeland defense" notwithstanding.

The truth will set you free- but it won't necessarily make you happy. Get over it.