Background: The Emancipation Proclamation was a Presidential Decree issued September 22, 1862, and took affect January 1 , 1863. Lincoln first proposed the idea to his cabinet in July 1862. The cabinet suggested that he wait, believing that a dramatic change in the focus of the war would appear to be a plea for support without a military victory. The "military victory" came at Antietam. Though it was hardly decisive, the battle near Sharpsburg, Maryland gave Lincoln the perceived victory he needed. Method: The students will read and study the Emancipation Proclamation and answer the following questions:
Divide the class into four groups. The students will be assigned a research topic from the activity sheet. Classroom Activities:
Grades:
Objectives: Students will analyze Lincoln's reasons for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and evaluate its affect on the war. Materials: Research materials, pen, paper, and Emancipation Proclamation activity sheet. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015