Based on what you have read, write two or three
sentences explaining what Lincoln believed the
Civil War was being fought to accomplish. Think
about his descriptions of why the war was fought
and what would happen if the Union won.

Lincoln believed that the Civil War was essential to bring the Union back together.

Explanation:

He thought that after they crushed the Confederate army, they'd rejoin the Union and nothing like that would happen again. Then, however, in the Battle of Bull Run, almost everyone realized that this war wasn't going to be an easy one.

Sample Response/Explanation: Lincoln believed that the war was being fought to keep the country together. He wanted to make the nation free and equal again.