" I'm relieved to see that he meant the North and the South"

Mmmm... the undercurrent of accusations of racism was your next offering. Seems every discussion with people about the war ends up with anyone who defends any part of the south labeled as racist and the north supporters were stand up guys. There is volumes you can discuss about the era and never talk about slavery. Much like today's climate if you did not vote for, disagree with ,and/or criticize, the sitting President you must be a racist. How low we have come that we cannot express opinion without castigation.