In 1862 the Civil War was in its second year, and victory was not a certainty for either side. Also, Britain and France were considering recognizing the Confederacy to preserve their sources of cotton from America.
President Lincoln was being urged to let Blacks fight to bolster Union Troops. But, Lincoln was said to be waiting for a major military victory, which would give him a stronger hand in freeing the slaves and allowing them to fight. His opportunity came at the Battle of Antietam later that same year, where nearly 23,000 Union Troops died in a single day. Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
But, Antietam was considered by Lincoln to be somewhat of a victory, albeit bittersweet because Union Army Commander, George B. McClellan failed to destroy Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army, and Lee was able to retreat. Antietam was then followed by Union losses at both Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia.
With all of this, the President seized on the moment to make his argument for freeing the slaves, which he did in 1863 by executive order under his authority as Commander of all American Military Forces. In that same year, the US Colored Troops(USCT) were established. Those Blacks willing to fight were promised freedom. Lincoln was now able to announce his Emancipation Proclamation.
The tide of the war would now turn.
Besides, McClellan who had always refused to consider allowing Blacks to fight, further straining relations with Lincoln, was relieved of his command.
President Lincoln was being urged to let Blacks fight to bolster Union Troops. But, Lincoln was said to be waiting for a major military victory, which would give him a stronger hand in freeing the slaves and allowing them to fight. His opportunity came at the Battle of Antietam later that same year, where nearly 23,000 Union Troops died in a single day. Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
But, Antietam was considered by Lincoln to be somewhat of a victory, albeit bittersweet because Union Army Commander, George B. McClellan failed to destroy Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army, and Lee was able to retreat. Antietam was then followed by Union losses at both Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia.
With all of this, the President seized on the moment to make his argument for freeing the slaves, which he did in 1863 by executive order under his authority as Commander of all American Military Forces. In that same year, the US Colored Troops(USCT) were established. Those Blacks willing to fight were promised freedom. Lincoln was now able to announce his Emancipation Proclamation.
The tide of the war would now turn.
Besides, McClellan who had always refused to consider allowing Blacks to fight, further straining relations with Lincoln, was relieved of his command.
