Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation, in the American Civil War, an order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, freeing the slaves in states that were “in rebellion” against the United States. It did not actually free any slaves at the time. However, the proclamation did help keep Great Britain and other European countries from recognizing the Confederacy.
Lincoln had earlier refused to issue such a proclamation for fear of offending the slave states remaining in the Union. He insisted that the sole object of the war was to preserve the Union. But military reverses, sagging morale, pressure from abolitionists, and threats of foreign intervention forced a change of mind.
On July 22, 1862, Lincoln informed his cabinet of his intention to proclaim the slaves in the Confederate states free on January 1. Some in the cabinet were opposed; others persuaded Lincoln to postpone announcement until after a Union victory. On September 22, following the Confederate repulse at Antietam, Lincoln issued a preliminary proclamation warning the Confederate states of his intention. As expected, the rebellious states ignored the warning and Lincoln, “as a military necessity,” made his edict final on the announced date.
The proclamation had little effect on slavery. It exempted loyal slave states and areas in the Confederacy occupied by Union troops (Tennessee and portions of Louisiana and Virginia). It had no effect in the states under Confederate control. However, the proclamation calmed the abolitionists and created a favorable sentiment for the Union abroad.
The original copy of the proclamation, in Lincoln's handwriting, was destroyed in the Chicago fire of 1871. Photographic copies exist, however.