[Tau Food]

Obviously, if there are two sides, there can be two motives. For Lincoln, it appears to have been about preserving the Union. For the secessionists, it appears to have been about preserving slavery.

[DiogenesLamp]

Obviously, if there are two sides, there can be two motives. For Lincoln, it appears to have been about preserving the Union. For the secessionists, it appears to have been about preserving slavery.

Only one side had control as to whether or not there was going to be a war, and whether or not that war would continue. Therefore, only those motives matter. The motives of the defenders are irrelevant. They have no control over whether they are going to get attacked or not.

Lincoln was the puppeteer. He called the shots.