Fight to the Finish Last 2 ½ years saw the implementation of more radical war measures. The most dramatic and important was Lincoln’s decision to emancipate the slaves so they could fight on the Union side. The tide of the battle turned in 1863, but the South continued to fight for another two more years. The north finally won with the sheer weight of manpower and resources

The Coming of Emancipation We will look at the factors that led to Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on the next few slides

Timeline of Emancipation At the start, only dedicated abolitionist favored full emancipation 1861-Congress voted for a resolution affirming that the war was being fought to preserve the Union (not to change domestic institutions) As the war continued, sentiment developed to “strike a blow at the South’s economy” July 1862-Congress authorized the government to confiscate the slaves of Confederate supporting masters Slaves offered themselves as manpower-condition: freedom

Lincoln’s hesitation Stemmed from a fear of alienating Unionist elements in the border states WANTED a gradual, compensated form of emancipation Obstacle: strong racial prejudice of most whites (north and south) SUPPORTED: “colonization” of freed blacks outside of the U.S. SLAVE STATES: refused to endorse Lincoln’s “gradual” plan

Emancipation Proclamation: Failure of Union armies to win increased public clamor to strike the South’s peculiar institution Lincoln also realized that emancipation would win sympathy for the Union cause in England and France September 22, 1862-Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation: This called for the Confederate states to give up the struggle within 100 days and they would not lose their slaves. (He knew the South would not do this) Gradual Plan back in effect: Lincoln proposed to Congress a series of constitutional amendments providing for gradual, compensated emancipation and subsidized colonization.

Effects of the Proclamation

Effect of the “proclamation” Did not immediately free a single slave However, it did commit the Union to the abolition of slavery as a war aim As word spread among the salves that emancipation was now official policy, larger number started to run Approximately one-quarter of the slave population gained freedom during the war under the terms of the Emancipation Proclamation

African Americans and the War 200,000 African Americans served in the Union Segregated units Paid less Relegated to heavy labor behind the lines Also, those freed conscripted to serve as contract laborers on “loyal” white plantations This would not result in a massive migration of black refugees to the North Lincoln used all of his influence to win congressional approval for the new 13th amendment and became known as the “Great Emancipator”