Question

What last ditch promise did Lincoln make to try and avoid secession of the southern states and the eventual civil war which followed? Was it successful?

Answer 1

Lincoln promised that he had no intention of interfering with slavery in the states where it already existed, but would oppose its expansion into new territories. This promise was unsuccessful in avoiding secession, as the southern states had deep-seated fears about the future of slavery and ultimately chose to secede from the Union. The Civil War followed shortly thereafter.