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So, I say, Madara's real goal is to oppose Hashirama. Be the bad guy that everyone unites against.
Once everyone is united and (at least they think they) win, everyone would be happy.
Madara attacked Konoha repatedly, as stated by Hashirama here:
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But Madara found out that as long as Hashirama is alive, his strength would be matched by Hashirama alone. He needed to get a lot stronger or find a way to survive after Hashirama. He didn't know that Shinobi after them would be so weak, so, he did both.
So, now, every thing is going according to Madara's plan. He (indirectly) caused a world war where he forced all five great nations to unite (against him). The longer the war goes on, the closer the people would be to each other after it is over. As for the casualities, they are a necessary sacrifice (Seeing from where Madara is coming from). Survivors shall make new friends (from other nations too).
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Do tell me what you think of this.
P.S. If he wanted, he could've killed off the Kages but he left them alive (though seriously injured).