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Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation Of Amnesty And Reconstruction

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Within this emancipated nation, of that which the founding fathers and the men and women of the Civil War so dutifully fought for, the monumental words of President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address resonate even into today: “... that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” ("Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln," 2018). Such words that, in their time, provided much more than a symbol of hope. In just over a month from the delivery of these words, the conclusion of the Civil War would initiate. May 13, 1865, the official end to an internal conflict unlike anything this country has ever experienced, ignited an era of great political, economic, and social change. Incorporating the successes …show more content…

President Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction on December 8, 1863, began the reunification stages of post-war America. Attempting to incorporate the common good in two strongly opposing sides, it addressed three main areas of concern. First, granting full pardon for and restoration of property to all members of the Confederate army with the exception of the highest ranking officials and military leaders. Second, the proclamation permitted a new state government to be created when ten percent of all eligible voters had pledged their allegiance to the entire United States. Finally, the readmitted southern states that had taken this oath were to accept the elimination of slavery and enact plans that would advance freed slaves toward an independent conduct ("Lincoln issues Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction," 2018). Following this proclamation, most southerners struggled to accept freed African Americans. Lincoln’s political approach to Reconstruction is still considered one of the most important political changes of the time because of its foundation in forgiveness. This charitable outline of requests accelerated the reunification process of America, whereas the price of victory in the North may have included harsh demands. Unfortunately, this peaceful appeal could not prepare the populace for the years of bitter racism and …show more content…

Slavery had been abolished in the former Confederacy by the Emancipation Proclamation, delivered by Lincoln in 1863. The ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment two years later emphasized the legitimacy of emancipation. Although many white southerners believed freedom meant the ability to control their destiny without interference from the North, the formality of the Thirteenth Amendment displayed great advances for freedom by proclaiming an entire race free from centuries of manipulation. In the immediate aftermath of the amendment’s ratification, nothing changed and the lives of many were not affected. Former slaves did not know where to go or what to do, and some plantation owners even refused to inform their slaves of what had happened. The effectiveness of this major social change would not be seen until time would create an opportunity for the government to enforce it in all areas of the

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