Emancipation Proclamation

January 2, 1863

The Emancipation Proclamation Released
The Emancipation Proclamation, written by President Abraham Lincoln, declares that "all persons held as slaves … shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." It only applies to the southern states being noted for 'rebellion' and not any of the border states. Lincoln was advised to only release it when the right moment came, after a Union Victory, or it would be seen as a cry for help. The Emancipation Proclamation said that free slaves deserve a paycheck and it also said that they should not participate in violence, with the exception of self-defense. How will the South react?