It was all about the federal troops, the forts themselves served no purpose militarily for the federals. The forts did not defend any federal assets or national interest. Charleston was NOT an international port of call, only New York, Boston and I believe Portland were the main ports that served Europe. Pulling those troops out in the beginning would have deflated the secessionist excitement not bolster it. Creating a war against states that stood against the federal government for rights states claimed would insure the collaspe of that doctrine and put all power to the central, Lincoln had nothing to lose. Had he pulled the troops the entire system would have stayed status quo, but of course there would have been no war and nothing to gain.

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David Upton