In this powerful and historic text, Abraham Lincoln sets forth the Emancipation Proclamation as a crucial step towards the abolition of slavery in the United States. Lincoln's language is both eloquent and direct, as he outlines the legal basis for freeing enslaved individuals in Confederate territory. The proclamation represents a turning point in American history, as it not only challenged the institution of slavery but also paved the way for the eventual passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. Lincoln's commitment to justice and equality shines through in this seminal document, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of the Civil War and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Book Description:
After having written and released an initial draft of this proclamation in September of 1862, minor changes were made and Lincoln signed it on January 1st, 1863. It declared free the slaves in 10 states not then under Union control, with exemptions specified for areas already under Union control in two states. Lincoln spent the next 100 days preparing the army and the nation for emancipation, while Democrats rallied their voters in the 1862 off-year elections by warning of the threat freed slaves posed to northern whites.