Was the Civil War an unavoidable conflict and were the Union's actions just (before 1863 at least)? I obviously believe slavery is wrong and any step should be taken to stop it, but didn't Lincoln begin the war to keep the southern states under the control of Washington, which seemingly violates self determination, and not to free the slaves? Also were there any alternatives to conflict? Buying the slaves does not make sense to me, because it was so deeply ingrained in the South's economy and culture. I personally believe that even though Lincoln was not the saint history regards him to be, the Civil War was largely unavoidable.
