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Why did Lincoln wait to announce the Emancipation Proclamation

User Ustulation
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As promised, Lincoln waited to unveil the proclamation until he could do so on the heels of a successful Union military advance. On September 22, 1862, after a victory at Antietam, he publicly announced a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves free in the rebellious states as of January 1, 1863.
User Kevinstueber
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