* Sought to preserve the Union. Lincoln was a strong believer in the Union and sought to preserve it at all costs. He was willing to use force to do so, but he also sought to avoid war if possible.
* Opposed slavery. Lincoln was a vocal opponent of slavery, but he did not believe that the abolition of slavery was worth starting a war over. He believed that slavery could be gradually phased out through economic and political pressure.
* Believed in the rule of law. Lincoln believed that the law had to be upheld, even in times of war. He was willing to use force to enforce the law, but he also believed that the law had to be fair and just.
Jefferson Davis
* Sought to protect the rights of states. Davis was a strong believer in states' rights and believed that the federal government had overstepped its authority in trying to abolish slavery. He believed that the states had the right to secede from the Union.
* Supported slavery. Davis was a slave owner and believed that slavery was essential to the Southern economy. He did not believe that slavery was morally wrong and believed that it was necessary to protect the institution.
* Willing to fight for Southern independence. Davis was a military man and was prepared to fight for Southern independence. He believed that the South could win a war against the North and was willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve independence.