Have students think about what the Emancipation Proclamation means to them during the time in which it was written
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EXCERPTS
The Emancipation ProclamationAbraham Lincoln1863"all persons held as slaves...shall be then, thenceforward, forever free."
WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME
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"...all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
To me, this quote means that slavery, according to Lincoln, is forever ended in states in rebellion. States in rebellion would be the Confederate states at war with the Union.
By golly, I am the President of these here United States!
"...I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion."
To me, this quote means that Lincoln is using his justified presidential powers to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Because the country is in a state of rebellion, Lincoln must take whatever measures necessary to keep the Union intact.
Congress supports you, Mr. President!
What a great American document!
"And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated 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."
To me, this quote means that Lincoln will honor his word and issuance of emancipation of slaves in rebellious states through the government, military, and his position as president. This is important to solidify his very controversial, but monumental decision.
"And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God."
To me, this quote means that Lincoln will uphold the Emancipation Proclamation through whatever means necessary, as well as under the guidance of God. Also, as warranted by the Constitution, he is in his right by the laws of America to do so.