How did lincolns and the uniions attitude toward African Americans change as the civil war proggressed?

As the Civil War progressed, Lincoln's and the Union's attitudes toward African Americans evolved significantly. Initially, the focus was primarily on preserving the Union, with little emphasis on emancipation. However, as the war continued, the moral and strategic necessity of addressing slavery became clearer, leading to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate states. This shift not only aimed to undermine the Confederacy but also encouraged the enlistment of Black soldiers in the Union Army, marking a crucial step towards recognizing their contributions and rights.