explain why Europe factored into Lincoln’s decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
Europe factored into Lincoln’s decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation for a variety of reasons. At the time, European nations, particularly Great Britain and France, relied heavily on southern states for cotton imports, which had become a driving economic force in those countries.
The British had abolished slavery in their own country in 1833 and had been pressuring the United States to do the same. The Confederacy had been trying to gain diplomatic recognition from Britain and France, hoping that they would intervene in the war and offer military support. If Britain and France recognized the Confederacy, it may have led to a larger international conflict and potentially, intervention on the Confederate’s behalf.
In addition, the Emancipation Proclamation would make it more difficult for the Confederacy to argue that they were fighting for states’ rights and not for the preservation of slavery, which Lincoln hoped would weaken their diplomatic efforts.
Ultimately, by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln was able to take a more definitive stance against slavery and appease European countries that may have been reluctant to support the Union without a clear stance on slavery. By doing so, he helped to secure international backing and momentum in the fight against the Confederacy.