Which statement best completes this diagram?

Lincoln declares
that he will not
interfere with
Southern slavery.

?

Lincoln issues the
Emancipation
Proclamation to
free all Southern
slaves.

A. Lincoln decides that slavery cannot be tolerated in any part of the United States.

B. Lincoln realizes that the Union is close to losing the Civil War.

C. Lincoln hopes to make the Civil War a conflict over equality and
human rights.

D. Lincoln recognizes that he must reach a compromise with
Confederate leaders.