How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The troop of cavalry had been organized three months before, the very day that Georgia seceded from the Union, and since then the recruits had been whistling for war. The outfit was as yet unnamed, though not for want of suggestions. Everyone had his own idea on that subject and was loath to relinquish it, just as everyone had ideas about the color and cut of the uniforms. (1.136)
Early in the novel, everybody is eager for war, which they think will be glorious and awesome. The irony is that war is horrible and they'll all regret wanting it.
Quote #2
"Land is the only thing in the world that amounts to anything," he shouted […] "'Tis the only thing worth working for, worth fighting for—worth dying for!" (2.115)
Gerald says land is worth fighting and dying for. This makes it seem like the war is about fighting and dying for land, or protecting one's home, but in fact the war is about protecting the right of rich jerks like Gerald to own slaves.
Quote #3
Oh why couldn't she feel like these other women! They were whole hearted and sincere in their devotion to the Cause. They really meant everything they said and did. And if anyone should ever suspect that she— No, no one must ever know! (9.79)
Scarlett doesn't care about the Cause; she's not interested in the war. This is somewhat convenient, since it means the novel never really has to think that hard about what the war is or why it's being fought. Scarlett's lack of patriotism allows the novel not to examine the patriotism too closely.