Jamie,

"I have to ask though, did the north seek grievance in legal proceedings or did the Lincoln government go to war? I've always felt both sides share the blame for starting a war that should have been avoided."

I agree that no single person, state or entity could take all responsibility for the war. Yet, it might be possible to identify things that were more responsible.

In a class years ago, my professor asked where most responsibility for the war lay. Ultimately, I look more towards the Deep South, for despite all of their grievances (legitimate or not), the single most important step leading to war was secession. The sectional conflict had lasted for decades, but had largely remained a political battle (except for Kansas territory). The minute those states passed ordinances of secession, the internal political battle turned into a monumental Constitutional crisis. Without secession there would not have been a war---plain and simple.

Oh, and thank you for the warm welcome to the board. I look forward to more discussions...at least as my hectic schedule will allow.