The Emancipation Proclamation

What was Lincoln's initial belief about the government's power to emancipate slaves?

• He thought the Constitution did not allow it.

• He was unsure of his presidential powers.

• He believed it was fully within his power.

• He had no opinion on the matter.

What was the reaction in the North to the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation?

• Complete rejection

• Indifference

• Mixed feelings with political repercussions

• Universal acceptance

At the outset of the Civil War, Lincoln stated that he had no intention of interfering with slavery; instead, he explained his intention was to hold the Union together. How did Lincoln expand the goal of the Civil War with the Emancipation Proclamation?