President Lincoln issued the first printing of the preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation as an order from the commander-in-chief to the armed forces. Because the president had direct control over the army, it was unnecessary to go through Congress to activate the proclamation. The preliminary version differs from his final version of January 1, 1863, by placing a greater emphasis on the preservation of the Union as the motivating force behind the proclamation.

Although it did not immediately free any slaves, the proclamation transformed the character of the war by tying emancipation directly to military victory. This crucially important document marked the expansion of Northern war aims to include emancipation along with preservation of the Union, thus altering the nature of the war. Lincoln considered the document his greatest achievement.

Mastering materials : A print

Published : 1864

Creator : Not attributed

Housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

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Product #: 21604084