Why did Lincoln allow states to return to the United States before he emancipated the
slaves?

The Proclamation only gave the Lincoln Administration the legal basis to free the slaves in the areas of the South that were still in rebellion on January 1, 1863. It effectively destroyed slavery as the Union armies advanced south and conquered the entire Confederacy.

food and resources were plentiful.

women were encouraged to marry later in life so they could work in factories.