In the Civil War (or the War of Northern Aggression as we refer to it here in Virginia), slavery was the pretext for the war. The real issue of the war was secession. The Constitution didn't address whether or not a state could leave the Union if its citizens so wished. Lincoln abused federal power and forced secession of the southern states. The question was settled by armed combat instead of in the courts.
If Lincoln had not forced the issue, slavery would have gone away within a few decades as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Every "advanced" ancient society (Egypt, Rome, etc.) used slaves for heavy labor because mechanization didn't exist. Industrialization lowered costs and would have made slavery the more expensive option.
G.W.
The first seven southern states had announced their secession by the end of January, and Lincoln wasn't inaugurated until March. Just what federal power was he in a position to abuse and force the secession of the southern states?
If Lincoln had not forced the issue, slavery would have gone away within a few decades as a result of the Industrial Revolution.
Replaced with what? The first successful mechanical cotton harvester wasn't introduced until the 1940's.
I agree with you.....You are preaching to the choir! :)
We call it that in Texas too! :)