Quote Originally Posted by Alexander the Pretty Good

The people who fought under that banner betrayed their country. Some of them even broke their oath to defend their country to fight under that flag. I still respect Robert E. Lee even though he did that, but I may just respect Grant more.
That is not true.

Every soldier/officer AFAIK, resigned their US commisions (as was their right)(making them private citizens again) before joining the CS army. So I dont see how they broke any oaths.

The view of the states (in my understanding) was very different to how it is seen now. Each state more of a nation unto itself that banded together for diplomacy with the wider world. So in effect, every man was more loyal to his home 'nation'

Besides, if you think it legitimate that british colonies declare independence from the UK then I really dont see how anyone can claim that states with the right to self-determination somehow betrayed the union.