Position of Strength
- Lincoln was advised on this issue by his Secretary of State, William Seward. Seward suggested that Lincoln issue the Proclamation from a position of strength, once the Union had won a battle, so it did not seem like an act of desperation.
- In September of 1862, the Union won their first major battle, the Battle of Antietam. Lincoln issued the Proclamation after this battle, from a position of strength.
- The Emancipation Proclamation was put into effect on January 1, 1863