During this time kingdoms were often at war with one another. How did rulers become powerful? About Western Europe

By Conquering other kingdoms.

Explanation:

After winning the war, the kingdoms will take ownerships over the land and resources that exist in the losing kingdom. (even enslaving the citizens of the losing kingdoms was a common practice in this time period)  This will massively increase the wealth of the winners and make the rulers become more powerful.

This practice stopped in 1600s , after European empires developed navigation technology and realized that colonizing weaker countries on another continent was more beneficial for them.

abraham lincoln issued the preliminary emancipation proclamation on september 22nd, 1862. it stipulated that if the southern states did not cease their rebellion by january 1st, 1863, then proclamation would go into effect.