[x]

Seven states had already passed secession resolutions before Lincoln became president because they knew that he would prevent the spread of slavery to the territories and this would eventually mean enough free states to hurt slaveholder interests.

The Corwin Amendment was a "Hail Mary Pass" -- a last minute attempt to keep the country together by guaranteeing the continued existence of slavery in the slave states.

But it wasn't enough for slaveowners who now wanted their own country.

What would you do to save the country from falling apart?

Wouldn't you be willing to compromise to prevent a civil war?

[FLT-bird]

None of this attempt at apologia works.

The Northern dominated Congress and the Lincoln administration supported slavery effectively forever by express constitutional amendment. Lincoln endorsed it in his inaugural address. If anybody had any question as to whether secession or the war were “about” slavery, that fact answers it decisively. It was not. The North was quite prepared to accept slavery.

The original 7 seceding states on the other hand, rejected protections of slavery that would have been impossible to overturn for many generations (including right down to the present day). Instead they opted for independence.

Looking at those facts, one can only conclude it was not “about” slavery.

[DiogenesLamp]

It was not needful to have a war. As Horace Greeley said:

"Errant Sisters, depart in peace."

All that would have been required to achieve peace is the absenting of the unwanted house guests.