Ending Slavery: While not the initial main objective, the abolition of slavery became an increasingly significant factor in the Union's war efforts. As the conflict progressed, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring freedom for enslaved individuals in Confederate territory, thereby linking the war to the moral imperative of ending slavery.
Economic Interests: The Northern economy was highly industrial and dependent on free labor, while the Southern economy was largely agricultural and heavily reliant on slave labor. Many Northerners saw the preservation of the Union and the end of slavery as essential to protecting Northern economic interests and preventing competition from Southern plantation owners.
Constitutional Rights and Federal Supremacy: The Union fought to protect the constitutional rights of citizens and uphold the supremacy of the federal government. They believed that states did not have the right to secede and argued that the Constitution prohibited the establishment of a separate nation.
Maintaining National Identity: The Union sought to maintain the national identity and sense of unity among the American people. They wanted to prevent the division of the country and the creation of two distinct political entities.
Protecting Western Territories: The Union was concerned about the expansion of slavery into the Western territories and the potential impact it could have on the political balance in the Senate and the admission of new states. They wanted to ensure the free settlement and development of the Western lands.