A Free Man's War: Emancipation Proclamation

Introduction:

The Emancipation Proclamation dramatically changed the nature of the Civil War. Previously viewed as a war to restore Union, it could now be justified as an idealistic war for freedom for all Americans -- black or white. The Rebel South that had previously tried to justify their war against the Union as a war for states’ rights now could only be seen as fighting to preserve the enslavement of 4 million people.

Process:

1. Read through the sources listed below

2. Answer the summary questions on the worksheet given in class (or you can click on the link above to download a copy)

Web Materials:

• Source 1: Historical background to the Emancipation Proclamation

• Source 2: History Channel video on the Emancipation Proclamation

• Source 3: History Channel video on the 54th Massachusetts Regiment (all black Union unit)

• Source 4: History Channel video on the myth created by the South about the Civil War