[TheThinker]

Through extensive historical investigation, DiLorenzo shows that the high tariff pushed by Northern industries, at the expense of Southern agriculture, was the main cause of the sectional conflict. Further, Lincoln’s goal in preventing Southern secession was the consolidation of federal power and the collection of revenue, not the elimination of slavery. Introduction by Walter Williams.

Although I've always admired Lincoln, I have to say this is an interesting thesis. It was Lincoln who started the income tax.

However, this theory would have to be showed in the context of all the other major historical events to be truly believed.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"It was Lincoln who started the income tax."

This is true. However, I believe it was a wartime tax and was repealed shortly after the war.

[Non-Sequitur]

It was Lincoln who started the income tax.

And the confederacy jumped on the bandwagon shortly thereafter.