What the Lincoln/Douglas debates about then? Those took place before the civil war didn’t they?
I’ve read the Lincoln/Douglas debates.
Slavery was the ONLY issue discussed. Not tariffs or any of the other issues frequently brought up as the REAL reason for southern discontent.
However, it should be pointed out that Douglas was also a northerner, and was not, or claimed not to be, particularly in favor of slavery or its expansion. He was neutral on the issue, not caring whether a state or territory decided to institute slavery.