Overview

• Former President Donald Trump suggested that the Civil War could have been 'negotiated' to avoid violence, during a campaign event in Iowa.
• Trump's comments have been criticized by historians, who argue that the southern states were not willing to negotiate, particularly on the issue of slavery.
• Trump's remarks have sparked controversy on the Republican primary campaign trail, with some critics questioning what part of the Civil War he believes could have been negotiated.
• Trump did not elaborate on how he believes the Civil War could have been prevented through negotiation.
• Trump's comments follow a controversial response from opponent Nikki Haley, who failed to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War during a town hall in New Hampshire.