Final answer:
The Emancipation Proclamation redefined the Civil War as a war of liberation with the abolition of slavery as a new northern goal, paving the way for the enlistment of black soldiers and influencing international politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Emancipation Proclamation (EP) fundamentally altered the Civil War by making the abolition of slavery a Northern goal, thus transforming the conflict into a war of liberation. Initially focused on preserving the Union, the North's war aims shifted following the EP's issuance. The proclamation declared the freedom of slaves in Confederate-controlled areas, although it did not free all slaves immediately, especially those in border states or Union-occupied territories. It nonetheless redefined the war and significantly impacted international perceptions, making European powers like the United Kingdom less likely to recognize the Confederacy. The enlistment of nearly 200,000 black soldiers into the Union Army also proved pivotal, as these troops contributed significantly to the Union's eventual victory and the ultimate demise of slavery.
In his Second Inaugural Address, President Abraham Lincoln highlighted the war's role in God's plan to eradicate the 'offence' of slavery, indicating a moral imperative tied to the bloody conflict. While the EP was a step towards freedom, the end of the Civil War in 1865 brought fresh challenges, ensuring that the struggle for rights and the formation of a new, bi-racial democracy would continue long after the last battlefield fell silent.