IMO, no, restoring the Union was Lincoln’s objective in going to war.
“IMO, no (Lincoln did not go to war to “free the slaves”), restoring the Union was Lincoln’s objective in going to war.”
Then there is this (post 146): “It was indeed, “all about slavery”.”
So critic answers critic.
Those are two reasons that, as an objective observer, I say we may never know the real reason Lincoln invaded the South and killed so many.
Other than he consider it in the best economic and political best self-interest of his backers.