The Emancipation Proclamation By: Brooklynn & Grace

Lincoln Changes His Mind Feared that any action to emancipate enslaved African Americans might make the border states secede. His goal was to restore the Union, even if the meant letting slavery continue. He told his Cabinet members that he intended to issue an Emancipation Proclamation. But he waited until success on the battle field.

A Famous Proclamation September 22, 1862- after Lee’s retreat from Antietam, Lincoln met with his Cabinet members and issued a preliminary proclamation. January 1, 1863- Lincoln issued the final Emancipation Proclamation. It freed enslaved people only in areas that were fighting against the Union. Lincoln was praised and accused of trying to start a slave revolt. Union soldiers were joyous about the Emancipation Proclamation.

Effects of the Proclamation The war was now about freedom too. It also stopped any chance of Britain helping the South. This Proclamation united African Americans in the North and the South because they were both fighting for their freedom.

Helping the Union Before the Emancipation Proclamation African Americans could not volunteer for the army. After the Emancipation Proclamation many were urged to enlist. 189,000 African Americans enlisted in the navy or army. Half of these men had previously been slaves. If they were captured they were forced to be slaves again or killed. African American soldiers were not treated the same as white. They took part in around 40 major battles and many more minor battles.

Helping the Union (cont.) Fort Wagner, South Carolina on July 18,1863 was one of the most famous attacks. As the 54th climbed the forts walls, confederates fired big time. Once they reached the top it was hand-to-hand combat. The regiment lost half it soldiers. Thousands of freed African Americans helped the union by being cooks aids and much more.

Resisting Slavery African Americans in the South did as much as they could to help the North. Some acted like spies for the North in way because they would tell the Union any war plans they could get their hands on. While their owners were off at war many slaves refused to work. They also damaged equipment.