In James McPherson's novel, What They Fought For, a variety of documents from Civil War soldiers are examined to show their differing personal beliefs and motivations for becoming involved in the war. McPherson's sample “is biased towards actual fighting soldiers” (McPherson, 17), meaning he discusses what the common soldier fought for. The Confederacy was often seen as the favorable side because their way of life depended on war; Confederates surrounded their lives with practices like slavery and farming, and these practices were at play throughout the war. On the other hand, Northerners fought to keep the country together. Although the Civil War was brutal, McPherson presents his research to show the dedication and patriotism of the soldiers who fought and died for a cause. Confederate jobs, wealth, and property (including slaves) were at stake. “The Confederates fought for independence, for their property and their way of life, for their very survival as a nation” (McPherson, 27). For this reason the dedication to the cause was strong on the part of the Confederates. An online collection of letters from Civil War soldiers, along with McPherson's evidence, shows patriotism and dedication to their nation and slaves. The Confederates stood behind each other and dedicated themselves to having their own nation; one soldier declared, “that if he were killed, it would be while 'fighting gloriously for the eternal principles of constitutional liberty and self-government'” (McPherson, 11). Private Street, while on his deathbed, wrote to his wife: "we must never despair, for death is preferable to a life spent under the oppressive yoke of the abolitionist regime" (Street, 1862). The reasons that fueled the Confederate soldiers were the same practices they pursued in everyday life; these soldiers naturally had dedication, but patriotism towards their nation and brotherhood is universal among the letters presented and they helped unify the Confederacy. The Union Army was able to match the intensity of the Confederacy, with the similar practice of undying dedication and patriotism, but for different reasons. The lifestyles and families of Union soldiers were not about the war to the extent of the Confederates; however, their legacy and prosperity depended heavily on it. Union soldiers had to save what their ancestors fought for, democracy. “Our fathers (Union soldiers) made this country, we, their sons, must save it” (McPherson, 29). These soldiers understood that an impoverished rather than unified group of countries could not prosper; “It is essential that one government exercise authority from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada and from the Atlantic to the Pacific” (Ledger, 1861).