[DiogenesLamp]

If they really aren’t out to end slavery within your borders, but you secede because you think they are, that IS paranoia.

Attributing false motives to others is Lying. Congress and the President could have done nothing further to assure them that they weren't going to end slavery than this:

Now what about those drastic social changes?

The Union didn't want them either, as demonstrated by Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware. Of course, for some reason, no one was talking about applying them to states on the Union side, only those who would leave it.

Why do you suppose there was no effort to make any massive social changes in Maryland? They had the army right there, and it would have been so very easy, wouldn't it?

[OIFVeteran]

I had decided not to address you anymore because it’s like talking to a wall. But I can’t let this go because I know you have been told on numerous other threads why Lincoln did not free the slaves in states that stayed loyal to the Union. HE COULD NOT FREE THEM BECAUSE IT WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!!!

In states that were in rebellion he had the constitutional authority to proclaim slaves contraband of war and free them.

[SoCal Pubbie]

You don’t get my meaning. I don’t understand what social changes you are referring to. Can you please list these social changes that southern states found so objectionable?