Certainly, nobody imagined that Mr. Lincoln would order an armed invasion over the affair. When he did exactly that, the entire South exploded with defiance and patriotism, cheering the new nation-sovereign and independent-that had just been born.
This quote highlights the unexpectedly assertive actions taken during a pivotal moment in history, particularly referencing President Abraham Lincoln's decision to initiate military action. It underscores how perceptions of leadership and conflict can dramatically shift once certain boundaries are crossed. Lincoln's decision to wage war was initially unanticipated by many, reflecting perhaps a broader societal belief that diplomacy or concession might prevail. However, once the decision was made, it provoked a...