Final answer:
Lincoln initially opposed enlisting black men in the Union Army due to concerns of alienating border states and white volunteer soldiers. His stance evolved to cautious acceptance, especially following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which allowed the formal enlistment of African Americans, who often served in non-combat roles. This change was driven by the strategic value of enlisting black soldiers to strengthen the Union and weaken the Confederate forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Abraham Lincoln's stance on enlisting black men in the Union Army evolved over time. Initially, Lincoln and the Union Congress were hesitant about enlisting black soldiers due to fears that it might offend the loyalty of slaveholding border states and that white volunteers might reject serving alongside black men. However, as the war progressed and the number of escaped enslaved people increased, the necessity of enlisting African Americans became evident. By mid-1862, Lincoln began to consider the emancipation of slaves as a practical war measure. The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 marked a significant shift in policy by formally allowing the enlistment of black soldiers, although they were often relegated to non-combat, labor-intensive roles. Lincoln's approach reflected a very cautious and calculated acceptance, acknowledging the value of African American troops in weakening the Confederacy and bolstering the Union effort.