Answered
In US Civil War
Why did poor southern whites staunch supporters of slavery?
Poor Southern whites did not own slaves, and were not particularly interested in the slavery issue. They had nothing in common with the plantocracy, and never associated with …them socially. Being ranked only one step up from the blacks, they detested them with particular virulence. But they did not leap into uniform to fight for slavery. Principally they were a warlike breed (largely descended from Ulstermen) who positively welcomed an excuse to carry a rifle, swagger about and seek the spoils of war. If they needed a specific cause, they could feel that they were defending the homeland against the invader. And in the end, they were led by Robert E. Lee, one of the most inspiring Generals in American history. (MORE)