Consequences and Impact of Emancipation

The District Emancipation of 1862, occurring nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation, was a pivotal moment in the fight against slavery. It was driven by economic factors, as slaves were valuable assets. Lincoln's Compensated Emancipation Act was an experiment to free slaves by compensating their owners, costing over a million dollars. This act freed over 3,000 slaves in Washington, D.C., and was a significant emotional and spiritual moment for many. It emboldened Lincoln and the nation to move towards the Emancipation Proclamation. The act also led to a flood of fugitive slaves into Washington, highlighting the brutality of slavery and fostering sympathy among the city's residents.

What was a significant economic barrier to ending slavery before the Emancipation Proclamation?

• Lack of political support

• Slaves being valuable assets

• International pressure

• Insufficient military resources

How did Lincoln view the Compensated Emancipation Act?

• As a temporary measure

• As a military strategy

• As a final solution

• As an experiment

Approximately how many slaves were freed in Washington due to the Compensated Emancipation Act?

• 1,000

• 10,000

• 3,000

• 30,000

What was the cost of the Compensated Emancipation program?

• Half a million dollars

• Over a million dollars

• Five hundred thousand dollars

• Two million dollars

What was the emotional impact of the District Emancipation on those who were freed?

• It was a moment of despair

• It was a moment of anger

• It was a moment of confusion

• It was a very emotional and spiritual moment

What was one consequence of the District Emancipation?

• A decrease in slave escapes

• A decline in Union Army enlistment

• An increase in slave auctions

• A flood of fugitive slaves into the city

How did the influx of fugitive slaves affect Washingtonians?

• They grew to sympathize with the fugitives

• They ignored the situation

• They became indifferent

• They became hostile

What did the fugitive slaves do upon reaching the city?

• They joined the Confederate Army

• They moved to Canada

• They returned to their owners

• They attached themselves to the Union Army