What was President Lincoln's priority regarding border states during the Civil War?

President Lincoln's primary focus regarding the border states during the Civil War was to keep them in the Union. The border states—Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri—were crucial both strategically and symbolically. Their geographic location made them vital for controlling key transportation routes and for the overall military strategy of the Union.

Lincoln recognized that if these states were to secede and join the Confederacy, it would significantly bolster the Confederate war effort and diminish the Union's chances of success. Keeping the border states loyal to the Union was also essential for maintaining a stronger political and social position in the conflict. Despite strong pro-Confederate sentiments in these states, Lincoln pursued a variety of strategies to ensure their continued allegiance, including political appeasement and sometimes military presence, rather than resorting to more drastic measures like granting them independence or declaring martial law unnecessarily.

By emphasizing the importance of maintaining the loyalty of the border states, Lincoln aimed to ensure a united front against the Confederacy and preserve the Union intact. This strategy laid the groundwork for the Union's eventual victory in the Civil War.