Why did Lincoln believe in the preservation of the Union?

Hi Arielle!

Preserving the union was Lincoln's most important motive during the war. He considered the future of the Union his duty and believed that, as President, he had to do whatever he could to save it. Lincoln saw how the 'peculiar institution' of slavery, which had led to compromise after compromise throughout the 19th century, was threatening the future of the Union. This is obvious in his 'House Divided' speech during the Lincoln-Douglas debates, in which he says "A house divided against itself, cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. (...) I expect it will cease to be divided." You can see how much importance is (rightly) placed on slavery as a divisive force, but also how certain Lincoln is abou preserving the Union. Especially at the beginning of the war, he placed more importance on this than on ending the institution of slavery. He believed in the values of democracy and a functioning government of the people and preserving the Union to him was a continuation of the American values and but also his duty as a President.

Hope this helps!

Best wishes,

Toni