1. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation
January 1, 1863

2. 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

3. 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
Why do you think he waited until after the victory at Antietam?
No Confederate states took Lincoln up on the offer…why not? How might things have been different if they did?

4. 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?

5. 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

6. Pros and cons of the EP 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

7. Why is the EP significant?
Although its efficacy is questionable, 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 somewhat – it’s not just about preserving the Union now, it’s also about ending slavery
*Note: The Declaration of Independence made it possible for Lincoln to issue the EP.