Most on GAW know it was to save the Union and to keep one nation, but the abolition movement in the north was strong and many men who fought were doing it to end slavery. That was also a part of the equation.
Lincoln declared war to keep the Union together, true.
The south succeeded almost entirely due to slavery. They say as much in their letters of succession; which they (rightfully) feared the new Republican party would end.
The Civil War was not primarily about freeing slaves.
Most on GAW know it was to save the Union and to keep one nation, but the abolition movement in the north was strong and many men who fought were doing it to end slavery. That was also a part of the equation.
Lincoln declared war to keep the Union together, true.
The south succeeded almost entirely due to slavery. They say as much in their letters of succession; which they (rightfully) feared the new Republican party would end.
Fair, the point being it wasn’t some altruistic movement of freedom but a political/economic lever to force others into submission.