Meaning: The quote, "What happened in America in the 1860s was a war of secession, a war of independence, no different in principle from what happened in America in the 1770s and 1780s," by L. Smith Writer, refers to the American Civil War and draws parallels between the struggle for independence in the 1770s and 1780s and the secessionist movement of the southern states in the 1860s. It suggests that the Civil War was, in essence, another fight for independence, akin to the American Revolutionary War.

The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal event in American history. It was primarily a conflict between the northern states (Union) and the southern states (Confederacy) over issues such as states' rights, slavery, and the balance of power between the federal and state governments. The southern states seceded from the Union, leading to a protracted and bloody war that ultimately resulted in the preservation of the United States as a single nation and the abolition of slavery.

The quote draws a comparison between the Civil War and the American Revolutionary War, which took place several decades earlier. The Revolutionary War, fought from 1775 to 1783, marked the Thirteen Colonies' successful rebellion against British rule, leading to the establishment of the United States of America as an independent nation. The parallel drawn in the quote suggests that both conflicts were fundamentally struggles for independence and self-determination.

In the context of the 1860s, the southern states sought to secede from the Union and form the Confederate States of America, asserting their right to govern themselves and preserve the institution of slavery. This secessionist movement was driven by a belief in states' rights and a desire to maintain their distinct economic and social system. The quote implies that the southern states' quest for independence mirrored the aspirations of the Thirteen Colonies in the 1770s and 1780s.

By likening the Civil War to the Revolutionary War, the quote underscores the enduring theme of self-determination and sovereignty in American history. It suggests that the underlying principles of both conflicts revolved around the right of a group of people to govern themselves and chart their own destiny. This comparison highlights the complexity and significance of the issues at stake during the Civil War, particularly the tension between federal authority and states' rights.

Furthermore, the quote prompts a reexamination of the motivations and ideals driving the participants in both wars. It invites consideration of the notion of independence as a fundamental human aspiration and the lengths to which people are willing to go to secure their freedom and autonomy. Moreover, it encourages a deeper understanding of the historical and ideological underpinnings of the Civil War, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of the conflict and its enduring impact on American society.

In conclusion, the quote by L. Smith Writer offers a thought-provoking perspective on the American Civil War, framing it as a continuation of the quest for independence that characterized the Revolutionary War. By drawing parallels between these two pivotal moments in American history, the quote invites reflection on the enduring themes of self-determination, sovereignty, and the complexities of national identity. It prompts a deeper exploration of the motivations and ideals underlying both conflicts, enriching our understanding of the profound significance of the Civil War in shaping the course of American history.