Unit 5: Topic 9 - Government Policies During the Civil War Flashcards
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war and was designed to help turn the tide of the conflict in favor of the Union.
The proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves”, within the rebellious/Confederate states, “are, and henceforward shall be free.” No slaves were immediately freed since those areas were not listening to Lincoln. The proclamation didn’t free slaves in border states to keep them loyal .
Explain the effects of Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.
Emancipation Proclamation led to reframing the war goals to emancipation and preserving the Union.
As a result, enslaved people ran away to Union lines and thus freed themselves, which also led to African Americans joining the Union army. An example is the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
The proclamation also directly impacted Confederate international relations, as European powers now viewed the Confederacy by its commitment to the institution of slavery. This made it more difficult for the Confederacy to secure the support and assistance of other countries.
Describe Lincoln’s policies toward the border states .
Lincoln declared martial law (military rule) and suspended habeas corpus (the right to have a trial, so you know what you’re charged with) in order to keep the border states (MO, KY, MD, & DE) in the Union. Martial law was declared to prevent any rebellion, and suspension of habeas corpus allowed Lincoln to detain individuals suspected of supporting the Confederacy or plotting against the Union.
The border states played an important role during the Civil War because of their strategic location along the border between the North and the South. They were also home to many resources, including factories, railroads, and other infrastructure that were important to both sides.
Describe the Gettysburg Address delivered by Lincoln.
On November 19, 1863, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In the speech, Lincoln honored the soldiers who had died in the battle and reaffirmed the importance of preserving the Union and the principles of democracy and equality. He portrayed the struggle against slavery as the fulfillment of America’s founding democratic ideals.
Explain Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.
President Lincoln delivered his Second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865. In the address, he urged people to “bind up the nation’s wounds” caused by the Civil War and to move toward a lasting peace . The Second Inaugural Address is known for its emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation.
