Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863

Why not end slavery sooner? Remember, although Lincoln was against slavery’s expansion he did not believe that he had the power as President to abolish it where it already existed Slavery was a right guaranteed by the Constitution Lincoln’s first priority: preserve the Union No desire to anger slave states that remained in the Union

What changed Lincoln’s mind? Ending slavery in the South would weaken the South! South still relied on slave labor to keep the economy going in war time After the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln issues decree that unless rebellious states return to the Union by 1 January 1863, slaves in their lands would be freed

From the pen of Abraham Lincoln… “I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within [rebellious] States and parts of States are and henceforward shall be free; and that the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons…I further declare and make known that such persons, of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States, to garrison foils, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service.” What do you think the terms of the Emancipation Proclamation were?

What did the Emancipation Proclamation actually do? The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the Confederate states only – it did not apply to slave states in the Union! Lincoln’s decree also allowed for African Americans to serve in the Union’s armed forces

Pros and cons of the EP Not-so-good things Good things Ends slavery in the Confederacy Thousands of slaves flee South for the Union, weakening the Confederacy African Americans enlist in the Union army, helping war effort Not-so-good things Difficult (or impossible) to enforce Limited focus – does not apply to slaves in Union states No real provisions are made for ex-slaves fleeing the South African Americans in the army face discrimination, lower pay, etc

Why is the EP significant? The Emancipation Proclamation is seen as a big step in the move to abolish slavery Lincoln’s decision to issue this decree shifts the focus of the war from the preservation of the Union to the ending of slavery.