The first shot in the American Civil war was made by the south when they attacked Ft Sumter. That war was a war that G-d allowed to happen. John Brown predicted that the sins of slavery could only be washed away with blood. Anyone who read the history of those times can see that G-d was punishing the whole country; both north and south. Lincoln was not expected to win the presidency. The south over-reacted. The north was arrogant during the early part of the war. After not achieving a quick victory as they thought they would. Many of the Union soldiers began to desert. The north tried giving money to new recruits, but enlistment was low. Finally a draft was instituted. After a year of war the south was close to achieving their goal of two seperate countries. Then Pres Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that gave him the right to enlist the slaves from the areas of rebellion into the US military. Later African American males in the north were allowed to join the military. That is when the war turned in favor for the north. The African American soldiers were instrumental in achieving victory in all the battles they fought in. After the war a greatful nation made amendments to the US Constitution outlawing slavery and giving African Americans (males) the right to vote. John Brown was right, blood had to be shed.

Abraham Lincoln's thinking was a product of his times. His thinking was no different that the average Caucasian world-wide. I know from my limited study of him, that he had a good heart. Fredrick Douglas describe his meeting with him at the White House in his autobiography. He said the president rose from his chair and walked over to him and told him it was an honor to meet him. Since I didn't live during those times, I can only go by the description of Pres Lincoln given by others who lived then; Whom I greatly respect. Fredrick Douglas is one of those individuals. He said that Pres Lincoln was a good man and a great president.