What was Lincoln’s overall goal?
Abraham Lincoln, when inaugurated, fully intended to make it his only goal to preserve the Union, and to stay out of most affairs regarding slavery. While avoiding all affairs regarding slavery proved more difficult than anticipated, in the end, Lincoln stood by his main goal of preserving the Union.
What goal did Abe Lincoln have during the Civil War?
Abraham Lincoln's chief goal in the American Civil War was to preserve the Union. At the outset of the war, he would have done so at any cost, including by allowing slavery to continue.