What Was the Emancipation Proclamation?

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Objective

I can explain the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

HISTORY · 8:09Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by HISTORY on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation as a military necessity under the war powers of the presidency.

  2. 2

    Secretary Seward advised Lincoln to wait until the Union had a victory so the Emancipation Proclamation would not look like a cry of desperation.

  3. 3

    Lincoln waited until January 1st, 1863 to give the South a chance to free their slaves before they would permanently forfeit them if they were still in the war.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

8 questions

1

Before the Emancipation Proclamation, what was President Lincoln's primary goal at the start of the Civil War?

2

Explain why some of Lincoln's cabinet members advised him to wait before issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Explain the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Be sure to mention why Lincoln waited to issue it and what impact it had on the Union army.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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