Good points Scapus! Its to bad that students are not taught that the CW was by no means a simple political conflict of say abolitionists on one side vs slave holders on the other side. Andrew Johnson is most definatly a controversial polarising political figure. He was obviously despised by both Confederates and many Unionists has well for being in their opinion to soft on Confederates during reconstruction and not advancing the right of the newly freed slaves. Being a Democrat running has Linclon's VP must not of endeared him to the majority of Tenneseans. How Johnson avoided being asassinated I do not know .

I am familiar with the Knights of the Golden Circle and President Buchanans attempt to purchase Cuba for a fabulous sum from Spain.

The main theory that I have read concerning why approx 100k White Southern Unionists joined the Union Army was because they were poor or of modest economic means and they resented being conscripted to fight for slave owners that they never really liked in the first place. In this forum I have learned that some wealthy slaveowners did don the blue uniform and risked their lives on the battlefield and their property at home from CSA irregulars. Maybe the first theory is true most but not all the time? Were Tennesee Unionists motivated for different reasons then say the Unionsts in Northen Al and Ar?

Thanks
Leonard