[Alberta's Child]

The U.S. Civil War (which is actually named incorrectly, because it wasn't a "civil war" in the true sense of the term) was fought over much bigger issues than slavery. Lincoln himself had said that he'd accept legalized slavery in all U.S. states if that was the price to be paid for "preserving the Union."

The need for a powerful Federal government to implement a national rail system -- and the need for a powerful Federal government to maintain the commercial viability of the Ohio River Valley and the Midwestern states by ensuring free maritime access along the Mississippi River system -- were far bigger issues at the time than slavery was.

[Non-Sequitur]

The need for a powerful Federal government to implement a national rail system -- and the need for a powerful Federal government to maintain the commercial viability of the Ohio River Valley and the Midwestern states by ensuring free maritime access along the Mississippi River system -- were far bigger issues at the time than slavery was.

Can I ask what you base this on?