What was the Emancipation Proclamation?
Q: What was the Emancipation Proclamation?
A: The Emancipation Proclamation was an order by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln to free slaves in 10 states during the American Civil War.
Q: How many slaves were freed immediately?
A: At least 20,000 slaves were freed immediately as a result of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Q: How many slaves were eventually freed as a result of the proclamation?
A: Nearly all 4 million slaves (according to the 1860 United States census) were eventually freed as a result of the proclamation.
Q: Who had power to end slavery before 1865?
A: Before 1865, only the states had power to end slavery within their own borders.
Q: What role did Lincoln play when issuing the Proclamation?
A: Lincoln issued the Proclamation as a war measure in his role as commander-in-chief.
Q: What effect did it have on England and France's efforts to recognize Confederacy?
A: The Proclamation weakened efforts within England and France to officially recognize the Confederacy.
Q: Which states were not affected by this proclamation?
A: Five slave states (the Border States) which remained loyal to Union and areas within Virginia and Louisiana which Union forces already controlled were not affected by this proclamation.
