Lincoln’s intentions, as well as that of many northern politicians, were summarized by Stephen Douglas during the presidential debates. 

Douglas accused Lincoln of wanting to "impose on the nation a uniformity of local laws and institutions and a moral homogeneity dictated by the CENTRAL GOVERNMENT" that "place at defiance the intentions of the republic’s founders."

Hummmm! 

Douglas was right, and Lincoln’s vision for our nation has now been accomplished beyond anything he could have possibly dreamed.