Almost from the beginning of his administration, Lincoln was pressured by abolitionists and radical Republicans to issue an Emancipation Proclamation. In principle, Lincoln approved, but he postponed action against slavery until he believed he had wider support from the American public.

Lincoln had already drafted what he termed his "Preliminary Proclamation." He read his initial draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to Secretaries William H. Seward and Gideon Welles on July 13, 1862. For a moment, both Secretaries were speechless. Quickly collecting his thoughts, Seward said something about anarchy in the South and possible foreign intervention, but with Welles apparently too confused to respond, Lincoln let the matter drop.

Use the passage to answer the question.

Why was it important for Lincoln to wait to issue the Emancipation Proclamation?

A.
It could have caused revolts in the North.

B.
It was important to have popular support beforehand. *******

C.
It could have ended the rebellion before Union victory.

D.
It may have caused Lincoln to lose reelection.