Question

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.
President Lincoln, March 4, 1865
President Lincoln blamed the desire to spread what "interest" for ultimately
causing the Civil War?
the cause of temperance
the cause of abolition
the institution of slavery
the ideology of capitalism

Answer 1

President Lincoln blamed the institution of slavery for causing the Civil War.

Step-by-step explanation:

President Lincoln blamed the desire to spread the institution of slavery for ultimately causing the Civil War. He believed that the insurgents' goal was to strengthen, perpetuate, and extend slavery, while the government only sought to restrict its territorial enlargement. The war turned out to be much larger and longer than either party had anticipated.

Learn more about the cause of the Civil War