LAD #17

Summary: Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation is a proclamation made by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862. In this powerful speech, Lincoln declares all enslaved persons in the United States free. Lincoln states that the United States' government will enforce and protect the freedom of these people. However, Lincoln also recognizes that by freeing these enslaved people, many states would respond by rebelling against the United States. Lincoln, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Navy believes that it is necessary to stop the rebellion. Lincoln encourages all newly freed people to refrain from violence and to work honestly for their wages. He promises them that they will be recognized by the American military, and will be allowed to join the Armed Forces.