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A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History
The Civil War and Reconstruction: 1860-1877 Back to History Unit

(b) analyzing the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation and the principles outlined in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address;


Emancipation Proclamation
Yale University Law School: The Avalon Project

Description: The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, freed all slaves in the Confederate States and in other areas the Union had regained control of. The promises of the proclamation were contingent on Union victory. Due to this bold move, for the final years of the war, every Union victory furthered freedom for slaves and thus inspired new meaning to the battles for the Union Army and their supporters.



Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestions
  • Discuss whether or not President Lincoln had the authority to free slaves in the Confederacy from the Union and Confederate point of view.
  • President Lincoln requests that the former slaves abstain from violence. Discuss why people would be concerned about this.
Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson
  • After reading the Emancipation Proclamation, mark on a map the areas the document specifically states as being in violation of the proclamation. Discuss why President Lincoln only freed slaves in those states. Also discuss why slaves were not freed in the northern border states.
  • In the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln invites former slaves to join the Union Army. Use this document as an introduction to the contributions of African Americans to the Union Army, before and after the Proclamation.

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