2. Emancipating the Enslaved Abolitionists urged Lincoln to end slavery after start of war Feared emancipating slaves would cause border states to secede Goal: was to restore the Union even if he had to let slavery continue Began to realize how important slavery was to South’s war effort Lincoln was going to issue an Emancipation Proclamation Cabinet members advised him to wait until success on the battlefield
3. A Famous Proclamation September 22, 1862 preliminary proclamation issued January 1, 1863 Final Emancipation Proclamation issued Little effect at first Only freed enslaved people in areas that were fighting the Union (Union had no power) Didn’t apply to parts of the South already under Union control or free anyone in the border states Proclamation criticized & praised Abolitionists: should be applied throughout the country Southerners: accused Lincoln of trying to start a slave revolt Union soldiers: enthusiastic; would weaken the South
4. Effects of the Proclamation Freed few slaves at first Changed the Civil War into a struggle for freedom No longer a fight to save the nation Fight to end slavery Dashed hope that Britain would recognize the South’s independence Would not help a gov’t wanting to keep people enslaved United African Americans in support of the war
5. African Americans Help the Union Were not permitted to join Union army at first Only after Emancipation Proclamation were they allowed to serve 189,000 served in the Union army & navy ½ were former slaves who escaped or freed by fighting If caught they were either returned to slavery or killed; not treated like prisoners
6. African Americans & white sailors served together on warships Army: African Americans served in all-black regiments under white officers Earned less pay Fought with pride & courage Took part in 40 major battles & 100s of minor ones Many other African Americans worked for Union armies as cooks, wagon drivers, & hospital aides
7. Resisting Slavery South Many enslaved African Americans tried to hurt the Confederate war effort Some provided military information to Union armies Worked slowly or damaged equipment Slaves often also simply refused to work
