re: BLM and the Chicago Kidnapping/Torture Case

I believe it was 6 states had already seceded, think Texas seceded after inauguration but don't hold me to that. I believe the South felt they could never win another election especially with the Democratic Party split in the summer of 1860.
They reacted and because they left the Union they no longer had the protection of the Constitution to protect the slave laws.
The common southerner didn't go and fight to protect slavery, secession was caused by the politicians and big plantation owners.
The Northern Republicans are to blame also refusing to meet and talk with Southern leaders, then Fort Sumter and then Lincoln call for 75,000 troops which lead to the northern part of the Confederacy seceding. It could have all around been handled better than it was but it's easy to look back and say what should or shouldn't have been done.