Lincoln further alienated many in the Union two days after issuing the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation by suspending habeas corpus. His opponents linked these two actions in their claims that he was becoming a despot. In light of this and a lack of military success for the Union armies, many War Democrat voters who had previously supported Lincoln turned against him and joined the Copperheads in the off-year elections held in October and November.
Lincoln further alienated many in the Union two days after issuing the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation by suspending habeas corpus His opponents linked these two actions in their claims that he was becoming a despot In light of this and a lack of military success for the Union armies many War Democrat voters who had previously supported Lincoln turned against him and joined the Copperheads in the off-year elections held in October and November