The Civil War was 100% about slavery, but it wasn't about the North's desire to rid slavery because it was immoral. Abolitionism was growing, and many opposed it on moral grounds, but as with almost every other war, money talks. The North was losing global influence because of the lower tariffs in the Southern ports. The South's economy was 100% driven by slavery, so they saw their opportunity to cripple their economy by abolishing slavery. Once the Southern states started seceded(which was 100% so they could maintain slavery), it escalated the situation.

Lee was like a lot of men at that time. He recognized slavery was immoral, yet still felt blacks were an inferior race. There were things to respect about him, but I'll stop short on calling him a great man of character. Despite his feelings on slavery being immoral, he still chose to fight to preserve the institution.

This post was edited on 1/16/17 at 1:49 pm

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Posted by Crowknowsbest

Member since May 2012

25901 posts

Posted on 1/16/17 at 2:07 pm to The Spleen

quote:
Lee was like a lot of men at that time. He recognized slavery was immoral, yet still felt blacks were an inferior race. There were things to respect about him, but I'll stop short on calling him a great man of character. Despite his feelings on slavery being immoral, he still chose to fight to preserve the institution.

I don't disagree. I think his pre-war position in the US Army made that decision nearly impossible for him given his clear allegiance to his family and home, though. He couldn't really sit it out, and was therefore forced to choose between protecting his home state or destroying it.

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Posted by rockiee