[Willgamer]

The American Civil War was fought during the Age of Imperialism (especially in Europe). As such it was important to establish a “casus belli” to justify attacking another nation. Lincoln was very cagey to do just that at Ft. Sumter. That attack also all but eliminated possible European intervention on the South’s behalf on the very first day of the war.

[Ditto]

Lincoln was very cagey to do just that at Ft. Sumter.

So are you are saying Jeff Davis was a total idiot for ordering the attack?

[DiogenesLamp]

The American Civil War was fought during the Age of Imperialism (especially in Europe). As such it was important to establish a “casus belli” to justify attacking another nation. Lincoln was very cagey to do just that at Ft. Sumter. That attack also all but eliminated possible European intervention on the South’s behalf on the very first day of the war.

I have read various histories of Abraham Lincoln. He was indeed a shrewd man, and he was not at all above doing some underhanded things to get ahead. I have come to regard him as the Bill Clinton of the 1860s. He was in fact, too smart by half.

He agonized about the war, and well he should have. He more or less caused it singlehandedly.