Emancipation Proclamation
/ɪˌmæn.sɪˈpeɪ.ʃən ˌprɒkləˈmeɪʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) A historic U.S. presidential executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate states.
The Emancipation Proclamation marked a turning point in the Civil War by changing the legal status of slaves.
Forms
- emancipation proclamation
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Primarily recognized in U.S. legal history as a political and military executive order rather than a legislative act, its enforceability depended on Union military power.
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