Question

Why did Lincoln wait to announce the Emancipation Proclamation? He was waiting for Congressional approval. He was waiting for the end of the war. He was waiting for a big Union victory. He was waiting for no particular reason.

Answer 1

He wanted the Union to be in a position of strength, so we was waiting for a big win.

Answer 2

The correct answer is He was waiting for a big Union victory.

Lincoln got the "big" victory he was looking for when the Union was able to defeat the Confederacy at the Battle of Antietam. This battle saw the Union army stopping the Confederate army from moving any further North into Union territory. Shortly after this battle, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.