[Non-Sequitur]

Okay, we know how you feel about the argument. Now show that it's wrong.

It it was all a plot by Lincoln against a South with nothing but peaceful intentions then they could have foiled the whole thing by just not firing a shot. Why didn't they try that?

[lentulusgracchus]

They did. Abe wouldn’t leave them alone.</i>

[carton253]

To put the entire blame on the South (which you do on most of these threads) for starting the war is like the Arabs saying the Israelis started the Six Day War.

The South was looking for a fight. There is no denying that. Beauregard in Charleston was itching to fire on those forts.

Lincoln by resupplying the forts, on purpose, gave the South the provocation.

Both sides are equally guilty for this war. No side escapes censor for its start.

So, let me repeat my main point: The South was looking for a fight, and Lincoln only too gladly gave them what they were looking for.

You can spin and dance around this issue all you want, but both sides thought it would be decided at First Manassas and both sides thought they would get want they wanted. A restored Union or Independence. In that mind set, they only too eagerly collided at Fort Sumter.