USPS 128:95. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

USPS 5c Emancipation Proclamation single source

The Emancipation Proclamation was an important action during the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln issued it on January 1, 1863.

Before this, the Civil War began in 1861. At first, the main goal of the Union was to keep the country together. However, slavery was a major issue in the conflict.

In September 1862, after the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln announced that he would free enslaved people in the states that were still fighting against the Union. This led to the Emancipation Proclamation.

On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. It freed enslaved people in the Confederate states. It did not immediately free all enslaved people, but it changed the purpose of the war. Now the war was also about ending slavery.

Even after this order, freedom did not reach everyone right away. In some places, slavery continued until Union soldiers arrived.

For example, in Texas, enslaved people were not freed until June 19, 1865. On that day, Union troops arrived and announced that all enslaved people were free. This day is now called Juneteenth.

In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States. It is now known as Juneteenth National Independence Day. Americans observe this day to remember the end of slavery and to honor freedom and equality.

The Emancipation Proclamation was an important step toward ending slavery. It helped lead to freedom for millions of people and changed the future of the nation.