The Politics of the Civil War

The Fight for Abolition• Some Northerners realized that winning the war

would not be enough unless abolition was finally settled.

“The mere suppression of the rebellionwill be an empty mockery of our suffering and sacrifices,

if slavery shall be spared to canker the heartof the nation anew,

and repeat its diabolical deeds.”

The Fight for Abolition• Although Lincoln disliked slavery, he did not believe

he had the right to abolish it.

• He is urged by abolitionist Greeley to turn the war into the a fight for abolition, but Lincoln says his goal is to:

_____________________ _____________ ________________

• He eventually finds a way to use his power to end slavery.o HOW DO YOU THINK HE WILL DO THIS?

The Emancipation Proclamation

• Lincoln realizes…o The Confederacy uses slave labor as a way to

grow food and build fortifications.o One of his abilities as Commander-in-Chief is to

order the seize of enemy resources.o Union army could emancipate the slaves!

• Benefits:o DISCOURAGE BRITAIN FROM SUPPORTING THE

CONFEDERATES

• Slavery-- Not just a moral issue, a weapon of war.

The Emancipation Proclamation

PRIMARY SOURCE ACTIVITY:• Individually, you will read the Emancipation

Proclamation and answer the following questions:

On your copy, underline the places where it indicates that slaves are free.

1. When does this go into effect? 2. Who is ordered to protect their freedom? 3. Once the slaves are under Union control, what will they do?  4. List the possible moral and military effects of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Proclamation did not free any slaves immediately because it applied only to areas outside of Union control

• Did not apply to slave states in the Union or Southern territories occupied by Union troops

• Military Action: only Rebels

• Proclamation had immense symbolic importance…o WHAT WILL THIS SHOW THE NORTH? THE SOUTH? THE WORLD???

Reactions• Gave the war a high moral purpose—struggle

becomes a fight for freedom.o What does this say for Northern motivation?

“Men squealed, women fainted, dogs barked, white and colored people shook hands, songs

were sung, and by this time the cannons began to fire at the navy yard…the President came to the window…and thousands told him,

if he would come out of that palace, they would hug him to death…”

Reactions• Free blacks enlisted in the Union army to help

with the cause to end slavery.

• Did not please everyone:o DEMOCRATS- PROLONG THE WAR BY ANTAGONIZING THE SOUTHo MANY SOLDIERS SAID THEY DID NOT CARE BUT WOULD FIGHT TO

PRESERVE THE UNION

• Confederates were ENRAGED!

• They fought more determined than ever to preserve their way of life.

Reactions• COMPROMISE IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE!• After January 1863, it was a war to the death.