Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln's Strategy

The video discusses the role of 4 million slaves in the Confederate war effort and how President Lincoln, initially claiming no constitutional right to attack slavery, used military necessity to justify the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln drafted the proclamation to weaken the South's war capacity and align with his moral wish for freedom. By 1863, it declared slaves in rebellious states free, strategically framed to preserve the Union and avoid backlash from border states.

Why was the South's reliance on slaves crucial during the Confederate war effort?

• They provided essential labor that supported the war effort.

• They were the main source of Confederate funding.

• They were used as spies against the Union.

• They were the primary soldiers in the Confederate army.

What change allowed Lincoln to act against slavery during the war?

• Pressure from foreign governments.

• A new constitutional amendment.

• His role as commander-in-chief.

• A unanimous decision by Congress.

What was Lincoln's personal wish that aligned with his military strategy?

• To negotiate peace with the South.

• To see all men everywhere free.

• To expand the Union's territory.

• To establish a new government.

How long did Lincoln take to draft the Emancipation Proclamation?

• Several weeks

• A few days

• A year

• A month

What was the main declaration of the Emancipation Proclamation?

• All slaves in the Union would be freed immediately.

• Slaves in border states would be freed immediately.

• Slaves in rebellious states would be free by 1863.

• All slaves in America would be freed by 1865.

Why did Lincoln avoid freeing slaves in Union-held areas?

• To avoid conflict with the Union army.

• To maintain support from border states.

• To prevent economic collapse.

• To gain favor with European nations.

What was one of Lincoln's goals in encouraging Southern slaves to flee?

• To increase the Union's labor force.

• To weaken the South's war effort.

• To create chaos in Southern cities.

• To gain international support.

How did Lincoln frame the Emancipation Proclamation to the American public?

• As a means to save the Union.

• As a temporary measure.

• As a step towards economic reform.

• As a moral obligation.

What concern did Lincoln have about issuing the proclamation as a gesture toward abolition?

• It might lead to a Southern victory.

• It might cause economic instability.

• It would be unpopular and risk the Northern government.

• It could be seen as unconstitutional.

What aspect of Lincoln's strategy is highlighted in his handling of the Emancipation Proclamation?

• His focus on military tactics.

• His public relations acumen.

• His economic policies.

• His diplomatic negotiations.