The United States didn't abolish slavery until after the civil war as one of the Reconstruction Amendments. In a way, the war triggered abolition (or spurred it to happen more quickly), not the other way around.
You're right, of course, but it's not nearly as easy to say succinctly with a clever quip to make a point. The civil war started because states suceded because Lincoln was elected. They did it because there was a gradual progression of laws being enacted with the goal of eventual extinction of slavery in the US. Lincoln's win guaranteed that this was going to continue past some intolerable point for the South and so, secession.
It's a bit like admonishing the protestors for protesting TTIP before it was enacted. Probably could have chosen slightly more accurate words, but my point was still made.
Yes, abolition happened afterwards. Congratulations, you can argue pedantically, perpetuating the seeming belief that the civil war had nothing to do with slavery.
The war happened overwhelmingly _because_ slavery was going to be abolished.
This isn't a minor detail, it's actually quite important.
> perpetuating the seeming belief that the civil war had nothing to do with slavery
Don't put words in my mouth, that's not what I said and I would appreciate it if you'd be a bit more intellectually honest here. The South seceded because they were convinced Lincoln would work to end slavery. They did not secede because abolition actually happened.
> The South seceded because they were convinced Lincoln would work to end slavery
In what way is "work to end slavery" not completely identical, but just different words, to "work towards abolition".
You may think you are just arguing pedantically, but this exact language is leading people to believe that the civil war had nothing to do with slavery. Just because it hadn't yet happened does not mean it can be an important, or even primary motivator.
> The war happened overwhelmingly _because_ slavery was going to be abolished.
That's not the same as "working toward abolition."
> this exact language is leading people to believe that the civil war had nothing to do with slavery
[citation needed]
> Just because it hadn't yet happened does not mean it can be an important, or even primary motivator.
I said that a desire to keep the institution of slavery was the primary motivation. That is not the same as them reacting to abolition, which would violate causality.
Please try to be more civil rather than slinging around insults and accusations.
It's a bit like admonishing the protestors for protesting TTIP before it was enacted. Probably could have chosen slightly more accurate words, but my point was still made.