Chapter 15 Section 3 The Emancipation Proclamation

Background Knowledge At this point in time the war has been going on for two years. When the North was victorious at Antietam, it lead to a turnaround for the Union completely.

Emancipating The Slaves The abolitionists wanted Lincoln to end slavery as a punishment to the south, but Lincoln didn’t want to end slavery at first because doing so would make more states secede. Lincoln felt that the Union should be restored even if slavery continued. He changed his mind when he realized how important slavery was to the South's war efforts. Lincoln told his cabinet he intended for the Emancipation Proclamation

A Famous Proclamation January 1, 1863 The Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people only in areas fighting for the Union Some abolitionists said it should be applied throughout the country, some southerners accused Lincoln of starting a slave revolt (slave rebellion), though Northern soldiers were happy because it weakened the South.

Effects of the Proclamation Freed slaves at first but had other important effects Changed the Civil War into a struggle for freedom The Civil War became a fight to end slavery United the African American’s to support the war Lessened the hopes that Britain would recognize the South's independence

African Americans Help The Union After the Emancipation Proclamation African American’s were allowed to serve in the war. The African American’s wanted a chance to fight for the nation. 189,000 African American’s served as part of the Army or the Navy African American soldiers worked in all-black regiments (unit of an army) under white officers

African American’s Volunteer for Service African Americans fought with courage and pride in battle African Americans took part in 44 major battles and hundreds of minor ones The most famous attack was on Fort Wagner in July 18, 1863 Half of the units were casualties

Refusing Slavery The enslaved African Americans did what they could to hurt Confederate war efforts Slaves refused to work with while there slaveholders were at war African Americans provided military and other kinds of information to the Union

By: Bailey and Catelyn