Aconfederate victory at antietam in september 1862 probably would have won the confederacy independence because
a. the border states would have joined the confederacy.
b. the union armies were already heavily demoralized.
c. lincoln would have been unable to issue the emancipation proclamation.
d. the republicans would have lost the subsequent congressional elections.
e. france and britain were on the verge of recognizing the confederate government and providing it with critically needed military assistance.

The answer is e. France and Britain were on the verge of recognizing the Confederate government and providing it with critically needed military assistance.

Britain and France's response to the Civil War are almost on their way to provide support to the Confederates. Due to a reason of a Blockade in trade of textile of South's ports which is needed in Europe. It made an effect on the textile industries of France and Britain.  However, despite this problem, they remained neutral and did not intervene although the Confederates have the sympathy of Napoleon of France but was restrained because of an existing policy with Britain with regards to US civil war. This information was based on history.state.gov.