Emancipation Proclamation There is much discussion about Lincoln's order abolishing slavery in the states "in rebellion". Though the Emancipation Proclamation did not free any slaves right out nor make any drastic changes it was a very necessary, very big step taken. Lincoln began an essential phase that the country had to get through in order for slavery to ever be abolished. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was very important not much freedom truly occurred. Lincoln's famous document actually freed no slaves. The Proclamation applied only to slavery in rebellious areas. Not only did this mean Lincoln had no power to enforce emancipation in these states still in contr