What did the Emancipation Proclamation accomplish?

The Emancipation Proclamation ultimately paved the way for the abolition of slavery in the United States. Five months after the Proclamation was passed, African-American troops were granted the right to serve in the armed forces of the U.S. It also aided in helping to prevent the involvement of foreign troops during the Civil War.

The preliminary Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Sept 22, 1862. If the Southern states did not end their rebellion by Jan 1, 1863, Lincoln would put the Proclamation into motion. According to President Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation was the most important achievement of his life.