back in 1864 only to be humiliated at New Market by the cadets...he could now remove him permanently). There were most definitely others, but Lincoln remained unscathed. Known to history as the Great Emancipator, Lincoln believed-and often said-that it was impossible for white and black men to live together in freedom. His only solution for America's greatest problem was for all the blacks to return to Africa. In his Emancipation Proclamation he carefully drew the boundaries within which it would operate, and deliberately excluded all areas in which his armies had control. However, it should be recalled that Congressional actions and the activities of certain generals had already freed thousands of blacks, and would continue to be more important as a source of emancipation. What Lincoln did for the war effort...was pure and simple manipulation of appeal. He is known as the Great emancipator...and yet who was freed? His Army of the Potomac...out manned the Army of Northern Virginia at Antietam and basically fought them to a draw...it was the right timing for the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. A great proclamation hinged on a great Northern victory. Antietam - Emancipation Proclamation was the death nail of the Confederacy. Foreign support would never be realized by the South. Interesting to study--Antietam was also one of the many perfect times for the Confederacy to exercise some great diplomatic coup of their own. Their army was out numbered nearly three to one. They fought McClellan to a standstill with their backs up against the Potomac River. They remained on the field for another day, when they could have retreated. Lee gave Davis all of the ammunition required for a diplomatic stratagem. Nothing Lee or the other war heroes of the Confederacy did on the battlefield measured up to what Lincoln did with manipulating public opinion both home and abroad. In making comparisons with the Rev...
