When I see descriptions of the US Civil War, slavery is often given as the main conflict. But people in the northern states were presumably still pretty racist and it's hard to imagine them wanting to sacrifice their lives for black people's freedom. Am I being unfair on the average Union soldier?

I know soldiers don't always need a reason to fight, sometimes you're conscripted or just see it as a job.

I've found this article which is helpful, but would appreciate anything anyone has to add https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2007-04-15-0704130145-story.html