"One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over
the Union, but localized in the southern
part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar
and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To
strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents
would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no
right to do more
than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the
magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the
cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease."
What is the purpose of this passage from President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address?
(5 points) hi