I've yet to see Lincoln, hopefully soon, I figured the movie was more politically correct than right. I've been into the Civil War era since I was 19, once big into reenacting, our group was part of the movie Gettysburg. Course many of my ancestors down south fought in the war, owned slaves etc. I still curse Sherman for totally wiping out my ancestors plantation in SC, who knows, I might've been rich...
Most movies miss the truth, many in the north were as racist, the war then, like now, was about power in government, not slavery. Lincoln would've gladly let slavery continue if the south would've returned to the union, but certainly there was a strong religious/political movement in the north to end slavery. I have no doubt Lincoln was against slavery, but he would've rather let it die out than go to war, it was nothing more than a political card. Being a smart politician, he had to wait and play his hand to deal with slavery at the right time.
In many parts of the south, past southern heritage still plays a large role. I am fine with that when it relates to history. I know many hate our southern flags, but we must remember slavery existed under the US flag long before. The values of slaves exceeded the wealth of industry in the north, not like people would simply give up all their wealth. I would dare say the Irish up north had it as bad as slaves down south.
Our family has a strange history. After my GGGfather lost most his wealth, he still did well. His slaves became sharecroppers and stayed connected to our family and worked on farms and in businesses until the 1970's. We had black mammies raise us that were decendants of family owned slaves. I know my mammy could've won oscar for a mammy, she played a large role in my early life, she was much loved.