The Politics of War Section 11-2 pp. 346-350
Preview Questions Why did Great Britain remain neutral? What led Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation? What political problems did both leaders face?
Proclaiming Emancipation Lincoln’s View Gov’t lacked power to abolish slavery where it already existed Seize slaves as contraband Emancipation: “Weapon of War”
Proclaiming Emancipation Emancipation Proclamation: Took effect on January 1, 1863 Only applied to areas under rebellion Union lacked power to enforce Hard to reach slaves with news
Proclaiming Emancipation Reactions to Emancipation Gave war a moral purpose More African-Americans enlist in the Union Army Compromise no longer possible
Political Problems Dealing With Dissent Maryland crowds attack Union regiment Placed under martial law Habeas Corpus suspended Telegraph Offices seized Copperheads targeted Lincoln’s Actions Expand presidential power Violate Constitution Copperhead: A Northern Democrat who supported making peace with the South during the Civil War
Political Problems Conscription Union (1863) Confederacy (1862) Commutation fee of $300 Confederacy (1862) Could hire subs Exempt if own 20+ slaves Draft Riots (NYC 1863) Irish immigrants protest commutation fee Riot lasts 4 days, kills 100 Conscription: Drafting civilians to serve in the army Requirements: - Union: Men 20-45 for 3 years - Confederacy: all men 18-35