What Impact Did The 13th Amendment Have On America Essay

There are moments in American that have a make a great impact not only on our history but on the lives of those that live within our borders. When one reflects on these points in time we can began to understand the fabric of how this nation began to form into the nation it is today. A crucial time in America’s history as a nation was when our leaders in Philadelphia were framing the Constitution, during those stifling hot and miserable days during the Philadelphia Convention in 1787. The leaders of this new country were attempting to come up with something that would guide this new country for many years to come, but had no idea what the future would hold. The Anti-Federalist who were strongly opposed to the Constitution felt the document

Congress had not approved the Proclamation; however because of Lincoln’s position as commander-in-chief his Constitutional rights gave him the ability to make this declaration. Lincoln, knew that the Emancipation Proclamation could not stand on its own and this would be the foundation on which the 13th Amendment which is part of our Constitution

Lincoln wanted to put the 13th Amendment on the Republican platform and use this during his reelection campaign. From all aspects, this looks more like a political tactic rather than a way to ensure the freedom of the slaves in America, however politics are politics and that will never change. Lincoln was successful in getting the amendment passed through the Senate in the House. Even though it was not the passage of the Amendment did not go as smooth as Lincoln may had wanted the Senate passed the Amendment on April 8 1864 with a vote of 38 to 6. There was a delay in the House and the Amendment had to be introduced later, delaying the passing of the amendment, however on January 31, 1865 the pass the amendment, allowing it to move forward for state ratification. The 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865 was ratified by the required three-fourths states, as was placed into effect. There were three states who had not ratified the amendment in 1865, for Delaware it was February 12, 1901, Kentucky, March 18, 1976 and Mississippi, March 16, 1995. It is amazing to think that three states went on average went that long to ratify an amendment abolishing slavery. What is even more surprising is two of those states went well into the 20th century, well after civil rights and other freedoms had been established in