[soakncider]

see post #126 by Twinkie

[CommerceComet]

I have heard the assertion many times that slavery was ending. I strongly doubt it would have ended any time soon without the war.

Did any of the southern states have active plans to end slavery when the war started? Did any of the southern states have active plans for what to do with the newly-liberated slaves? On the contrary, it seems that every action (including going to war with a better-resourced and stronger military power) the south took was to keep the institution of slavery as it currently existed. I'm willing to be convinced otherwise if someone can provide some proof.