What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

Over the years the purpose and function of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation has been oversimplified. Douglas Ullman, Jr. breaks down the many factors that went into one of the most famous documents in American history.

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[josephdriesenga]

I find it’s important to point out that the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery even in the states in rebellion. It freed all people enslaved there (theoretically if not practically) but made no mention of the institution being thereafter barred.

[robinburke]

Wonderfully straight-forward explanation ;-)

[jankovarik]

We still have such a long way to go to achieve true, and lasting, equality.

[erichoopes]

The Emancipation Proclamation did nothing for slaves. Goes to show the war wasn't about slavery & if it was someone had forgotten to tell the Northern Army.

It did nothing, some black people still cry “slavery”🤭