Do you think it was ONLY to preserve the Union? Or do you also think the fact that slavery was morally wrong played a heavy part in it?
2007-10-30 02:01:59 · 4 answers · asked by Blah 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Uh... I don't listen to Hip-Hop!
Hehe j/k.
I think that slavery played a huge part in it.
2007-10-30 02:05:21 · answer #1 · answered by suupa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the timing of the Emancipation Proclamation was sheer political genius in which the North had another reason besides preserving the Union. It gave the North another intent and purpose in order to strive to victory. If you notice it was done in late September 1862 , it was a congressional election year and the Republicans were not faring well and a new breed of Republicans a radical Republican were appearing on the scene insisting on the abolition of slavery and punishment for the South. Lincoln was trying to save the part of his party so when 1864 rolled around he could be ready for a second term with or without a war.You also notice it was after a slight but significant victory at Antietam before he issued it. I believe Lincoln believed it was wrong but he also had the Constitution to deal with and he desired so much to reunite the country that he would try only these measures when he knew he had a victory and sufficient time to do it.
2007-10-30 04:01:47 · answer #2 · answered by Dave aka Spider Monkey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pure politics on his side. The Emancipation did not free the slaves in slave states that stayed in the union, nor did it end slavery in Union troop controled territory.
2007-10-30 02:09:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was a tool to get public support for the war. All he cared about at that point was winning the war and saving the nation.
2007-10-30 02:30:56 · answer #4 · answered by Johnny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋