Why did Lincoln decide to engage the south in civil war?

Question: Why did Lincoln decide to engage the south in civil war!?

I know lincoln did NOT go to war to wend slavery only!. What's the MAIN reason!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

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The South started the war by seceeding from the Union!. This was a question of life and death for the Union!. There was no question of two seperate unions existing side by side!. It was either the whole or nothing!. He went to war because he had too, in order to save the Union!. Slavery only had second priority!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Well actually, Lincoln (the US govt) declared war on the South (the Confederate States of America) because they SECEDED!. Lincoln's #1 goal was to preserve the Union (even if it meant keeping slavery)!. However, it's important to note that the South seceded BECAUSE of slavery!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

He didn't start the war!. The south did!.

He fought back to preserve the union!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

The south engaged the north!.And his main reason for fighting was keeping the union together!.Www@QuestionHome@Com