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Did slavery make economic sense?

Ever since the end of the American Civil War (1861–1865), a debate has raged over the economics of slavery, a controversy which touches on the reputation of the country's great national hero, Abraham Lincoln.

Some believe he was a principled crusader who fought to rid America of a cruel but highly profitable system. Others have him down as a warmonger and apostle of “Big Government” who conducted an unnecessary and bloody campaign for reasons that had little to do with slavery - an institution that was on its last legs and could easily have been brought to its knees without a shot being fired.

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