Why did Lincoln let the south take first hit?

Lincoln allowed the South to strike first at Fort Sumter to avoid appearing as the aggressor in the conflict. By letting the Confederacy initiate hostilities, he aimed to unify the North and gain broader support for the Union cause. This strategic decision was rooted in the hope of minimizing backlash and framing the war as a response to Southern rebellion rather than Northern aggression. Ultimately, this approach also helped him rally the border states and maintain their loyalty to the Union.