The War Between the States

The Emancipation Proclamation was a threat to the Confederacy and a hope for slaves and the Union. President Lincoln had thought about freeing the slaves for quite a while. He had discussed it with his Cabinet and advisors. President Lincoln hoped to use it to end the war quickly. It was July of 1862 that the President decided to use the emancipation of slaves as a way help end the war. It was not until September 22nd that President Lincoln issued, what became known as the "Prelimenary Emancipation Proclamation". In this Proclamation President Lincoln gave the Confederates until January 1, 1863 to make peace or surrender.

When the deadline came and the Confederates had made no effort to comply with the Proclamation, President Lincoln signed it into law on the afternoon of January 1,1863. When the President signed the Emancipation Proclamation, he said "I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right than I do in signing this paper". He then added " If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act".