Happy 200th...

[sickofpalantirs]

IN the end, it was a catch-22 for Lincoln.  I think he chose the better option.  you don't. nuff said.

[Gate Troll]

Sorry to necromance but I couldn't resist:

I tend to agree with an older friend of ours, southernors tend to say slavery wasn't what the war was about cause they can't argue against it, when it really was about slavery.

Really? Than explain these quotes regarding slavery:

"I have no purpose directly or indirectly to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."-Abraham Lincoln, Inaugural address, 1861

"My paramount object, is to save the Union, and not either destroy or save slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing the slaves, I would do it. If I could save the Union by freeing some and leaving others in slavery, I would do it. If I could save it by freeing all, I would do that. What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because it helps save the Union."-Abraham Lincoln, in a letter to Horace Greeley.

"I am not now, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any way the social or political equality of the white and black races. I am not now nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor of intermarriages with white people. There is a physical difference between the white and the black races which will forever forbid the two races living together on social or political equality. There must be a position of superior and inferior, and I am in favor of assigning the superior position to the white man."- Abraham Lincoln, in a speech in Charleston, Illinois, 1858

"When Southern people tell us that they are no more responsible for the origin of slavery than we are, I acknowledge the fact. When it is said the institution exists, and it is very difficult to get rid of in any satisfactory way, I can understand and appreciate the saying. I surely will not blame them for not doing what I should not know what to do as to the existing institution." -Abraham Lincoln, in a speech he gave in Peoria, Illinois

"If I thought this war was to abolish slavery, I would resign my commission and offer my sword to the other side."- Ulysses Grant, on slavery

The Northern Aggressors have spoken for themselves. What else need I say?

[SomeRandomDude]

The war was about slavery to some, and other issues to others. A lot of mixed motives were on both sides of the equation.

As is, the south was technically right, but the end result was best, slavery was abolished.