[Conscience of a Conservative]

Wait, was the war about slavery or keeping the union together with violence and bloodshed? Confusing, Lincoln cultists never get their stories straight.

Both. It was about keeping the Union together and eradicating the scourge of chattel slavery. Not so confusing, but then again, Neoconfederate fetishists aren't so bright.

[central_va]

Both. It was about keeping the Union together and eradicating the scourge of chattel slavery. Not so confusing, but then again, Neoconfederate fetishists aren't so bright.

Funny I must have missed the history lesson where Lincoln ran his 1860 campaign as an abolitionist. I must of had a appointment or something.

[DiogenesLamp]

Both. It was about keeping the Union together and eradicating the scourge of chattel slavery.

That is incorrect. Lincoln was not going to eradicate chattel slavery. That didn't become an aim of the war until a year and a half into it.

This is called "moving the goal posts." If you are going to criticize others, you need to get your facts accurate.

[bigbob]

Preserving the union, yes. Eradicating slavery, no.

[bigbob]

and to prove what I said, read Lincoln’s own explanation in his response to Horace Greeley:

http://www.civilwarhome.com/lincolngreeley.htm

“If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that.”

So as you say, not so confusing at all.

[don-o]

It was about keeping the Union together and eradicating the scourge of chattel slavery.

Sure. Wars were fought all over the world to abolish chattel slavery. Wait. What?

[combat_boots]

I see it as ultimately about the control and future of the country, as it expanded West.