For example, of the 46,000 free blacks of military age in the North 33,000 had enlisted in the Union Army. The fact that the African-Americans had helped the Union war effort at a critical time not only bolstered black confidence and pride, but convinced many in the North to equate emancipation with the defence of the Union. It was only the slaves who realised the potential of the civil war to bring about emancipation by helping fight the Union war aim and forcing Northern people to realise that the Union would no longer be compatible with preserving slavery. It would appear in this sense that Lincoln is not deserving of the title "Great Emancipator"." To be deserving of this title would imply Lincoln architected and initiated the policy of emancipation. Although Lincoln may have shown disinterest in Slavery, he was not willing to intervene with it because of the turmoil it may have brought. As late as 1861 Lincoln was quoted saying "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly to intervene slavery where it exists ". This shows Lincoln was not willing to take action against Slavery where it needed to be taken and in some cases prevented others such as General Frémont in Missouri from taking action against it. If Lincoln was deserving of this title than surely he would have taken significant action early on to abolish slavery. From this point it is easy to claim Lincoln is not the "Great Emancipator"" but a decisive leader who was able to listen to the increasing support for emancipation in the North, brought about by refugee slaves, and act upon it. This point is emphasized by the Fredrick Douglas quotation of 1876 "viewed from a genuine abolition ground Lincoln seemed tardy, cold, indifferent measuring him by the sentiment of his country bound to consult, he was swift radical and determined ". .
Another factor which led to the Thirteenth amendment being passed was the role played by Congress.