To realize his expansionist ideals, Lincoln would have to crush any notion of the Union as a voluntary pact between sovereign states and individuals.
Exactly...
The core of the implosion of the Republic occurring at present.
People have been told and forced what to do for so long... individual thought is no longer possible for 80% plus.
Example... "Would You take the Red Pill or the Blue Pill?"
Almost no one realizes neither pill is still an option.