Introduction Flashcards
Background
From 1st January 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation fundamentally changed the way that American, in particular southern American, society ran. Up until 1863 Southern economy was fully based on a system of slavery, meaning that when the emancipation proclamation declared that all slaves in the confederacy were “forever free”, outrage was caused amongst Southerners. In addition, this singular document changed the nature of the American Civil War, turning it into a war against slavery, not just a war for conserving union.
Factors
Some historians such as argue that it also turned the war from a “limited” war, into a “total” war. Some historian such as James McPherson argue that Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 due to the actions of others within his party, as other Republicans put pressure on him to make a firm action on emancipation. Other historians such as Lauren Fowlds argue that Lincoln acted on emancipation due to the realisation of the failure of limited war. Historian such as Susan Mary Grant argue that the Emancipation Proclamation was passed by Lincoln due to international pressure from countries such as Britain and France. Finally, some historian such as Susan Mary Grant argue that the Emancipation Proclamation was passed in 1863 due to the issue of contraband slaves.
Line of argument
This essay will argue that Lincoln was in fact pressured into acting on emancipation through the actions of others such.
