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Emancipation Proclamation A Turning Point Essay

638 Words3 Pages

Jakhari Richardson
Professor Parten
U.S. A Comprehensive Survey
May 2023
The Emancipation Proclamation: A Pivotal Turning Point in American History

Throughout the course, we have explored numerous historical events that have had a profound impact on the United States. However, one turning point stands out as the most important in American history—the Emancipation Proclamation. This executive order, issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, holds immense significance due to its role in the abolition of slavery, its influence on the nation's moral fabric, and its lasting effects on the evolution of the United States as a nation.

The Emancipation Proclamation announced on January 1, 1863, declared "that all persons held as slaves" within Confederate territory "are, and henceforward shall be free." By effectively freeing slaves in the rebellious states, it fundamentally altered the course of the Civil War. Lincoln's proclamation shifted the primary focus of the war from preserving the Union to an active pursuit of liberty and justice for all Americans. This turning point played a pivotal role in shaping the United States by officially ending the institution of slavery and setting the stage for the eventual ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. …show more content…

By taking a clear stance against the institution of slavery, it laid the groundwork for a national narrative that prioritized equality and freedom. The proclamation exposed the hypocrisy of a nation that espoused liberty while simultaneously allowing millions of enslaved individuals to suffer. As a result, it propelled the United States towards a greater recognition of human rights, inspiring future generations to fight for social justice and

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