I never like the idea that war, any war, is inevitable or preordained. You cannot blame someone for starting a war and at the same time call it inevitable. All it takes to ovoide a war is compromise by both sides. The South was the only side trying to compromise, and the only side trying to find a peaceful solution. The South also had the option to submit and not defend itself, but Lincoln knew they would not let his aggressions go unchallenged (i.e. Star of the West).

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David Upton