Final answer:
Abraham Lincoln’s wartime decisions were influenced by the desire to free the enslaved, military strategy, diplomatic relations, and moral commitment. His Emancipation Proclamation sought to undermine the South’s economy, gain support for the Union, and prevent British aid to the Confederacy. Lincoln also envisioned a united America with a place for former slaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Abraham Lincoln’s wartime decisions were strategically multifaceted and complex. Initially, he declared that the Civil War was fought to free those who were enslaved in the South. As the war progressed, his decisions were influenced by several key factors, including military strategy, diplomacy, and a moral commitment to abolition.
In July, Lincoln concluded that the emancipation of slaves would directly weaken the Confederacy by depriving it of labor, thereby easing the military efforts of the Union. This move was also inspired by the potential to prevent British recognition of the Confederacy, as Britain had strong anti-slavery sentiments. By issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln also extended the moral cause of the war to include the abolishment of slavery, reinvigorating support for the Union.
It was not only the military and diplomatic advantages that motivated Lincoln, but also a conviction about the nation’s obligation to its slaves and the desire for reconciliation. The commitment to extending rights, such as the vote to black men, as expressed in his speeches, revealed Lincoln's vision for America’s future — one that included former slaves as citizens. However, with the varying opposition he faced, Lincoln remained cautious in public about the specifics of his postwar plans.