how did the civil war change from a limited war to a "total war" to abolish slavery?

Question

how did the civil war change from a limited war to a "total war" to abolish slavery

Answer 1

The War Between the States was about states' rights, yes. But please also note, the Constitution of the Confederacy prohibitted slavery long before the Union abolished it. Also, the Emancipation Proclamation only applied to "those states not in rebellion against the union." It didn't free a single slave in the South.

Answer 2

The civil war was about States rights versus Federalism.The South seceded from the Union.In opposition to the Federal government's decrees.Slavery,while an unbelievable abomination in our country's history,was a side issue.
Also,Lincoln was a much disliked president in his day,in fact John Wilkes Booth actually thought he was saving America by gunning down a dictator,he thought he would be a hero.
Lincoln allowed many atrocities to occur during
reconstruction,to whites,blacks,and entire families.Be glad that he isn't president today.

Yeah thanks Bramsts,I guess I should have worded that differently,more like set the stage for it.Thanks again.

Answer 3

To prevent the Brits or the French from coming in on the side of the south, which was eminent if Lee had smashed the Army of the Potomac at Antietam. Lincoln was pretty smart, huh?

He's right. Lincoln said if he could keep the Union together without freeing a single slave, he would do it. Not PC, but true...

Grinder - Lincoln wasn't alive during reconstruction...

Grinder - I agree with you...

Answer 4

The Civil War was never about slavery.

Answer 5

It had more to do with states right to leave the union rather then slavery!The southerners vowwed to leave the union if Lincoln was elected.

Answer 6

the civil war was about more than slavery.

he did it- to make the enemy look worse. If your gonna win a war your enemy must look absolutely evil.