The war was to re unite the CSA with the Union, ending slavery was a side issue that Lincoln was never bothered about. He said if he could save the Union by freeing no slaves or just some he would. He also offered the CSA a deal keeping slavery legal until 1900 if they would rejoin the Union. When they refused almost 2 years into the war he announced the proclamation to free slaves and only in the CSA where he had no authority, slavery was still legal in 4 Union states. The proclamation was just a tactic to effect a slave rebellion in the CSA. Lincoln freed no slaves, that was not done until the 13th amendment 8 months after Lincoln was killed. Americans have been brainwashed about the great 'liberator'.