DiogenesLamp: to jeffersondem: "They aren't going to give that up.
It's the only 'moral' reason for which they can sort of justify all the blood that was spilled.
It is their fig leaf."
Far more than mere "fig leaf", fear of Lincoln freeing the slaves drove Deep South Fire Eaters to declare secession and ultimately war on the United States.
Emancipation and abolition were also strong motivators for many Republicans (but not Democrats) and became more so as the war dragged on:
Johnny Cash sings Battle Hymn of the Republic
Or, if you prefer, Elvis Presley
This one doesn't say, but sounds like a Mormon Tabernacle Choir version.
If you watch carefully, you'll see references to the Iron Brigade & Irish Brigade as well as the 54th Massachusetts "Glory" regiment.
Not sure if you are oscillating back to the often-stated claim that the north and Lincoln killed to “free the slaves.”
My northern friends across the aisle fluctuate between claims: the north fought to preserve the union - no, the north fought to free the slaves and promote equality. Lincoln tried to market both at Gettysburg.
As soon as a northern apologist is driven from one redoubt they seek refuge in the other.
Why not consider a third, more realistic reason the north killed 600,000-plus: northern states invaded and destroyed the south because northern states believed it was in their economic and political best interest to do so.