Forum:KB:Clone wars a civil war?

How come the clone wars is not considered a civil war in the galaxy. Weren't the CIS once part of the Republic and they just decided to break away from the Republic so wouldn't that mean it was a civil war. Also (I forgot who said it) said that there has not been a full scale war since the formation of the republic. What were the Sith wars considered? Please help. (Sorry I don't have a sign in name)