Other than Gettysburg or Vicksburg
The Emancipation Proclamation controversy had a huge impact on how the American Civil War turned out. Other nations, who were unable to participate in conflicts over slavery because of European participation, benefited from the event. The incident ultimately led to a union victory, which was crucial in abolishing slavery in the area (Masur, 2012). In fact, the Emancipation Proclamation fought for the freedom of the people rather than merely focusing on the civil war.
The Southern states were required to put an end to their insurrection
In order for the 1862 Proclamation to take effect. The Confederacy did not work on the first attempt, and Lincoln had to issue the final Emancipation Proclamation in the following year. The significant event is attributed to a concerted, multiracial effort of individuals who had witnessed the situation of slavery in the region. According to Walsh (2013), abolitionists including Sarah Grimke, Sojourner Truth, William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglas, and Angelina held a moral framework condemning slavery and instead upheld the need for equality of humanity. At such a time, the region was characterized by racism that negatively impacted democracy and the issue of black emigration. Also, the formerly enslaved, together with their families were looked down upon and denied full citizenship.
The Emancipation Proclamation was a powerful tool
That was used to bring justice and freedom to the people, thereby triggering the most important changes in the region – the event symbolizes the country’s commitment to achieving freedom and still inspires Americans today. For instance, despite being weak, the Emancipation Proclamation resulted in the Amendments that have granted new rights and freedom to African-Americans. Also, today the event has serious inspiration on Art – there are writing immersion programs that are meant to challenge the creativity of high school students towards the Emancipation Proclamation. The program that started during the 150th civil war anniversary in 2013 aims at culminating unique performance pieces drawn from writings and words of the teenagers (Walsh, 2013). Such activities are likely to help students connect between the historical event of Emancipation Proclamation and the freedom and slavery concepts, Civil Rights movements, and the today’s civil war with regards to families, our cities, and even the world.
The Proclamation was catalyzed by Lincoln’s commitment
To the justice and necessity of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Antietam victory. Sharpsburg (the battle at Antietam) promoted the much-needed Union victory that would later result in the issue of Proclamation. Despite the initial withdrawal from the cabinet secretaries, the Union victory and Lincoln’s commitment brought hopes and consequently the change in mind to support the Proclamation. The Sharpsburg saw the Union army drive out the Confederates from Maryland, making Lincoln comfortable in issuing the Emancipation.
The Emancipation Proclamation led to different outcomes
Amongst them changing the focus of the civil war (Masur, 2012). Other than preserving the Union, the event shifted the focus to the fight for freedom. Also, the event prevented the foreign nations from engaging in the civil war. Lincoln’s directive and the Union victory shifted the mood against the Confederacy and caused a further disturbance on the countries that supported slavery respectively. Lastly, the event led to the abolition of slavery and the fight for freedom to African-Americans in the United States.
Conclusion
The issue of Emancipation Proclamation is significant to the legacy of the American Civil War, especially in fighting slavery and protecting the rights and freedom of African-Americans. The event, which occurred at a time when there were rampant cases of racism and issues of black emigration, was facilitated by Lincoln’s commitment and the Union victory. Most importantly, the event had various outcomes (reforms that promoted freedom, human rights, and the abolition of slavery) as discussed in the essay.
References
Masur, L. P. (2012). Lincoln’s Hundred Days: The Emancipation Proclamation and the war for the Union. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
Walsh, C. (Feb 2013). The Emancipation Proclamation Now. Havard Gazette.
