The Emancipation Proclamation - Historic American Document | Books of American Wisdom Collection | Perfect for History Buffs & Civil War Studies

On September 22, 1862, President Lincoln issued the preliminary version of The Emancipation Proclamation. I urge all Americans to read this document and understand its importance in American history. Many believe this document was an action to end slavery and grant black Americans the same freedom and rights enjoyed by white Americans. Nothing is further from the truth. Lincoln was first and formost driven to perserve the Union by putting down the rebellion that threatened the United States. By issuing such a document,, he knew that he had struck a blow against the South’s strength by providing an incentive for slaves to escape creating a distraction and weakening the economic stability of the Confederacy. Without slaves for labor and with its men fighting, the Southern economy would be weakened. Further, this action united the Republican Party to push for the complete abolishment of slavery and to stave off any military interference on the part of England or France. Lincoln believed that by issueing the Emancipation Proclamation, the will of the people of the Union and the Constitution was thrust upon the Confederates. There is little doubt that Lincoln hated slavery and desired abolition but, in 1862-1863 few white Americans would have even entertained the notion of equal rights under the law for black Americans. They would wait more than 100 years to attain the basic rights granted by the US Constiitution.