The Emancipation Proclamation Document Analysis

The Emancipation Proclamation is perhaps one of the most important documents generated during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Examining this document will provide students significant insight into how Lincoln evolved as a president during the Civil War, how he operated politically, and how he conducted the war.

With this activity, students will use a grid storyboard to analyze the Proclamation as a primary source document. They will make inferences about Lincoln's presidency through direct quotes and examine the rationale and meaning behind excerpts of the document. Students may select their own excerpts, or the teacher can provide several options for them to analyze.

Extended Activity

Have students analyze and synthesize the words of "The Gettysburg Address". Students should again utilize the grid layout to relate direct quotes, comment on the quote, and put it into their own words. While short, "The Gettysburg Address" was a rallying cry at a crucial point in the Civil War, and is considered a seminal document today.