Did Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation as a result of victory at Antietam?

Mango Hill

Corporal
Joined
Jul 23, 2020
I was watching a YouTube video by Joe Ryan CivilWar and he makes a very interesting observation which goes as follows. Lincoln did not issue the EP because of Antietam but because of the threat posed to Kentucky by the twin invasions of Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg. By the 17th Buckner had obtained the surrender of garrison at Munfordville while Kirby Smith had captured Richmond. With Louisville threatened, Buell's right flank open to attack and most of Eastern Kentucky in Confederate hands Lincoln was afraid that Kentucky would go over to the CSA. With that in mind slaves in Kentucky would be freed and this would give second thoughts to Kentuckians who wanted to switch sides and, if not the entire state, at least declare that part of Kentucky in CSA hands for the Confederacy. I've never seen any evidence to back up Mr. Ryan's claim. Is there any merit to this claim?
 
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