The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, was a pivotal moment in American history, particularly during the Civil War. The document declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states were to be set free. Although it did not immediately abolish slavery, it altered the character of the war and aimed to undermine the Confederacy's ability to continue fighting. Understanding the implications and limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation is essential for evaluating its impact on the Civil War and American society.
Which of the following statements accurately reflects a primary consequence of the Emancipation Proclamation?