What was Abraham Lincoln's opinion on the Civil War?

Answer 1

He wanted to do what ever he could to save the Union. He personally wanted to abolish slavery, but if keeping slavery would have saved the union then he would have kept slavery. He thought that abolishing slavery would save the union, however it caused southern succession, which led to the civil war.

Answer 2

US President Lincoln did not believe that secession from the United States was legal. He, as President was bound to protect Federal property. The attack on Fort Sumter caused him to raise a small volunteer army to repress the rebellion. By July of 1861, he realized that the rebellion was a war based on the government and army of the Confederate states. He never wanted a war and did all he could to make it clear to Southern leaders that he meant them no harm. He stated he wold enforce the Fugitive Slave Act and that he would not interfere in the slavery issue where slavery already existed.

Answer 3

On a personal basis, is was strongly anti-slavery. From a economic, political and social point of view he believed that abolishing slavery via normal lawmaking in Illinois and Washington DC. It would take time to plan out the best way. Lincoln had joined the new Republican Party when the large Whig Party dissolved. Within the Party, however, there were disagreements on how this goal should be handled. The radial wing pushed for immediate release of all slaves and some even were for equal rights. Lincoln was more moderate and he did not want to disrupt the US.Lincoln at first believed that slavery was wrong and there is some doubt regarding "equality".

What is rarely addressed was his two part plan for abolishing slavery. Lincoln believed that the British model for abolishing slavery made sense. Under Britain's plan, slave owners would be compensated for the loss of their slaves. Lincoln had devised several methods to do this. The second part of the plan was to send the freed slaves to a new colony the US would buy. Either West Africa or a country in Latin America was also planned.

Lincoln did not believe that Black people would be treated fairly and as equals by white people. He was sure that it would be a terrible nationwide problem. The best way for Black people to attain their true position was in an all-Black nation. This part of the plan was voluntary but Lincoln made it a priority talking point that would convince many former slaves that colonization was the best way.

No one can read minds. There is a question as to whether in Lincoln's own mind he believed Blacks were not equal with whites.Either way,the colonization plan was not a new one.

Answer 4

Abraham Lincoln was elected the president under turbulent times of the civil war. He hoped and fought to remove slavery, which made him unappealing for Presidency by the Southern states

Answer 5

He was against slavery. There for he was on the Union's side.