argument top image

Why did Abraham Lincoln want to abolish slavery?
Back to question

Emancipation was a peoples policy

The Emancipation Proclamation was a people's policy aimed at outlawing slavery and changing the tide of the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation made holding slaves illegal in the United States, freeing millions of enslaved people in the nation.

The Argument

The Emancipation Proclamation was a people's policy aimed at ending slavery and making the citizens of the United States more equitable. The Emancipation Proclamation was a vital step in securing freedom from enslavement for Black people and working towards the right to vote, participate in government, and other civil freedoms. [1] The Emancipation Proclamation transformed the morale of the war and reignited fervor for Union soldiers to fight and win the war against slavery. [2] This document is considered one of the most monumental for human freedom and equality. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to combat the civil injustices and inequalities plaguing the nation because of slavery and racism. Abraham Lincoln was a people's President and the Emancipation Proclamation was a people's document.

Counter arguments

The Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery. The Southern states, where slavery was most prominent, were not under Union law, so the Proclamation did not apply to them. [3] The border states, who were loyal to the Union but still had slaves, were exempt from the law. The Emancipation Proclamation was a place holder for Abraham Lincoln to appease Northern abolitionists and condemn the South for succeeding; its purpose was not for social justice or freeing enslaved people.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.history.com/news/5-things-you-not-know-about-lincoln-slavery-and-emancipation
  2. https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation
  3. https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation
This page was last edited on Sunday, 22 Nov 2020 at 20:55 UTC

Explore related arguments