Abraham Lincoln's Approach to War

What did Abraham Lincoln want to achieve in the war?

a) To incite war

b) To preserve peace

c) To teach the South a lesson

d) To protect the Union

Answer:

Abraham Lincoln sought to preserve the Union and carefully maneuvered the situation at Fort Sumter to avoid provoking war.

Explanation:

To understand President Abraham Lincoln's approach towards the outbreak of the Civil War, it is crucial to recognize his main aim was the preservation of the Union, not instantly seeking the abolition of slavery. In the early stages of the conflict, Lincoln was faced with a dilemma at Fort Sumter, where he had to decide whether to respond to Confederate aggression or seek a less confrontational solution. Lincoln ultimately decided to resupply Fort Sumter in a way that was intended to be non-provocative, sending unarmed ships with provisions.

This act shifted the responsibility of starting a war to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Lincoln had consistently stated that he would defend the Union against Confederate attacks. Thus, when Davis ordered the firing upon these supply ships, war ensued. Lincoln's administration refrained from firing the first shot and did not want the North to initiate conflict, but he was prepared to act defensively to maintain the Union.