U.s. History: The Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 really didn't free a single slave. Read about why that was true, but also find out why Abraham Lincoln felt is was absolutely necessary to make a stand on ending slavery when he did, and how the freeing of the slaves and abolition of slavery became one of the main reasons for fighting the Civil War after 1863. Included are the text of the Emancipation Proclamation and a map showing which states were targeted by the proclamation.