LAD/Blog #21: Emancipation Proclamation

On September 22 of 1862 Abraham Lincoln issued what is called the Emancipation Proclamation. The most significant part of this proclamation is stating that any slave engaged in the rebellion is free, and the government and army will fight to ensure that they remain free. A second major prospect mentioned is that if a state is part of a rebellion and they peacefully send an official to congress, they will no longer be in a rebellion. Lincoln then states which states are in rebellion: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. However, he pardons parts of Louisiana and Virginia saying that they are not in rebellion. This part of his proclamation was powerful because it put the power of decision making into the states hands urging them to choose peace. he encourages that all freed slaves be peaceful and cautious. he urges that all people show kindness to everyone in hopes of changing the future of the nation.