The last best hope: Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation.CHARACTERS * Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States The head of the Executive Branch, one of the three branches of the federal government. The U.S. Constitution sets relatively strict requirements about who may serve as president and for how long. * William Seward William Seward can refer to:
Salmon Chase, Secretary of the Treasury Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Charles Wickliffe, Unionist Representative from Kentucky Nehemiah Perry
Nehemiah Odolphus Perry (b. 16 June, 1968) in Jamaica. He played 4 Tests and 21 one-day internationals in 1999. , Democratic Representative from New Jersey * Charles Sumner For other persons named Charles Sumner, see Charles Sumner (disambiguation). Charles Sumner (January 6, 1811 – March 11, 1874) was an American politician and statesman from Massachusetts. , Republican Senator from Massachusetts John Hay
John Milton Hay (October 8, 1838 – July 1, 1905) was an American statesman, diplomat, author, journalist, and private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln. , secretary to the President John Nicolay, secretary to the President Narrators A-D A-D Advance-Decline, or measurement of the number of issues trading above their previous closing prices less the number trading below their previous closing prices over a particular period. * Indicates major role. INTRODUCTION Our new We the People series features moments in American history that spotlight the struggle, as expressed in the Constitution, "to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice ... and secure the Blessings of Liberty." This play examines a time when the Union faced its gravest threat. When Abraham Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States on March 4, 1861, the future of the country had never been more in doubt. Seven Southern states Southern States U.S. Confederacy government of 11 Southern states that left the Union in 1860. [Am. Hist.: EB, III: 73] Dixie popular name for Southern states in U.S. and for song. [Am. Hist. had seceded (withdrawn) from the Union over the issue of slavery and formed the Confederate States of America Confederate States of America: see Confederacy. Confederate States of America or Confederacy Government of the 11 Southern states that seceded from the Union in 1860–61 until its defeat in the American Civil War in 1865. . War with the South loomed. Even though Lincoln was strongly opposed to slavery, he believed that his primary mission was to preserve the Union. But events would cause him to change his mind--and the document that grew out of this change would mark a turning point in American history. SCENE I Narrator NARRATOR. A pleader who draws narrs serviens narrator, a sergeant at law. Fleta, 1. 2, c. 37. Obsolete. A: On Inauguration Day 1861, Washington, D.C., is a nervous city. In his inaugural address, the new President pleads with the Southern states for peace. Abraham Lincoln: Fellow citizens, as I have said before, I do not intend to interfere with the institution of slavery in the states where it exists. Nevertheless, it is my duty to uphold the Constitution and preserve the Union. I hope we can do this without bloodshed. To my dissatisfied fellow countrymen I say: This momentous issue of civil war is in your hands, not mine. Narrator A: War finally comes on April 12, when Confederate forces fire on Fort Sumter Fort Sumter, fortification, built 1829–60, on a shoal at the entrance to the harbor of Charleston, S.C., and named for Gen. Thomas Sumter; scene of the opening engagement of the Civil War. Upon passing the Ordinance of Secession (Dec. , a U.S. Army post in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina South Carolina, state of the SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW). Facts and Figures Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km). Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15. . Union troops surrender the fort the next day. The President and his Cabinet face difficult decisions ... William Seward: We have lost 11 states in all to the Confederacy Confederacy, name commonly given to the Confederate States of America (1861–65), the government established by the Southern states of the United States after their secession from the Union. . Only the slave states of Missouri, Delaware, and Maryland remain with us--and Kentucky. Lincoln: Yes, Kentucky is blessedly neutral for now. I have promised their Senator Davis that we will respect their institutions. Salmon Chase: You mean their slaves. Mr. President, many Republicans in Congress demand that we take a firmer stand against slavery. Lincoln: Mr. Chase, I was elected not to put slavery down but to put the flag back. If we confine slavery to where it is, it will die a natural death. But in the meantime Adv. 1. in the meantime - during the intervening time; "meanwhile I will not think about the problem"; "meantime he was attentive to his other interests"; "in the meantime the police were notified" meantime, meanwhile , we cannot lose the border states. SCENE 2 Narrator B: On August 6, impatient Republican Senators pass the first Confiscation confiscation In law, the act of seizing property without compensation and submitting it to the public treasury. Illegal items such as narcotics or firearms, or profits from the sale of illegal items, may be confiscated by the police. Additionally, government action (e.g. Act. The bill allows federal troops to seize Southern slaves from their masters and set them flee. But the war is going badly for the North, which has just suffered a shocking defeat at the first battle of Bull Run For other uses, see Bull Run (disambiguation). The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas (the name used by Confederate forces and still widely used in the South), was the first major land battle of the American Civil War, fought on July , spurring a sense of victory in the South. In February 1862, Lincoln sends a plan to Congress to compensate [pay] border states for the gradual emancipation [freeing] of their slaves. Democrats and border-state Unionists attack it. Charles Wickliffe: Where in the Constitution does Mr. Lincoln find the right to buy slaves and set them free? Nehemiah Perry: We should spend millions to save the Union, I say--but not one cent for abolition! Narrator B: Congress approves Lincoln's plan, but the border states won't accept it. In his search for another solution, Lincoln consults with many people. On July 4, the passionately antislavery Senator Charles Sumner comes to the White House. Charles Sumner: Sir, it is Independence Day. Imagine what a great gesture it would be to declare the slaves free today. Lincoln: Unfortunately, I fear that would be too big a lick at one time. The border states would certainly secede. Sumner: But freeing the slaves would also deprive the South of much of its labor force. Who would pick the cotton? Already, thousands of slaves have escaped to the North. Many of them are anxious to fight for the Union. Lincoln: Yes, but what do we do with the slaves who haven't escaped and remain in the South? This is a problem of great complexity. SCENE 3 Narrator C: As usual, the President thinks carefully about his next move. On July 13, the President attends the funeral of Secretary of War Stanton's infant son. In the carriage, he speaks openly to Secretary of State Seward and Secretary of the Navy Welles. Lincoln: Gentlemen, I have just about decided on an action of grave importance. I am convinced the slaves of the South must be emancipated e·man·ci·pate tr.v. e·man·ci·pat·ed, e·man·ci·pat·ing, e·man·ci·pates 1. To free from bondage, oppression, or restraint; liberate. 2. by some decree of ours. Seward: Mr. President, I don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. what to say. The consequences of this action are so vast, I need some time to think about it. Lincoln: Well, I have done nothing but think about it. I believe that it is a military necessity--we must free the slaves Free the Slaves is an international non-governmental organization and lobby group, established to campaign against the modern practice of slavery around the world. It is the U.S. sister-organization of Anti-Slavery International. or ourselves be subdued [conquered]. Gideon Welles: Many will object that such an action is not constitutional. Lincoln: We are at war. The President has the same power to free the enemy's slaves as to destroy his railroads. Besides, the rebels cannot reject the Constitution, then claim to be protected by it. Anyway, I have resolved to take this step. Narrator C: At a full Cabinet meeting on July 22, the President discloses his plan. Lincoln: If the states in rebellion do not return to the Union by January 1, 1863, their slaves are to be forever free. Narrator C: The Cabinet is divided over making such a move. But Secretary Seward's opinion is key. Seward: Mr. President, I wholeheartedly whole·heart·ed adj. Marked by unconditional commitment, unstinting devotion, or unreserved enthusiasm: wholehearted approval. whole support your decision. But I suggest that we postpone announcing it until we have a firm military victory. Otherwise it may look like the last shriek shriek - exclamation mark of a desperate retreat. Lincoln: Very well, Mr. Seward. I will keep this to myself for the moment. I pray we may have one of those victories you mention before too long. SCENE 4 Narrator D: Victory does not come soon. In the next weeks, the President continues to struggle with his decision. He also prepares the country for a momentous announcement. On August 22, he writes to Horace Greeley, the editor of the New York Tribune The New York Tribune was established by Horace Greeley in 1841 and was long considered one of the leading newspapers in the United States. In 1924 it was merged with the New York Herald to form the New York Herald Tribune, which ceased publication in 1967. . Lincoln (in his letter): If I could save the Union without fleeing any slave, I would do it. If I could save it by fleeing all the slaves I would do it. And if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would do that. Still, it is my personal wish that all men everywhere could be free. Narrator D: The war continues to go badly. Finally, on September 17, Union troops stop the Confederate advance at the bloody Battle of Antietam The Battle of Antietam (also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, particularly in the South), fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, and Antietam Creek, as part of the Maryland Campaign, was the first major battle in the American Civil War to take place on , in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Lincoln believes that this is good enough to count as the victory he was waiting for. On September 23, a working text of the Emancipation Proclamation Emancipation Proclamation, in U.S. history, the executive order abolishing slavery in the Confederate States of America. Desire for Such a Proclamation is released. At the White House soon afterward ... John Hay: Have you read the newspapers? We're getting some good responses. Frederick Douglass [former slave and abolitionist] says, "We shout for joy that we live to record this righteous decree." John Nicolay: But of course all the usual people are attacking us. I worry if we haven't triggered too passionate of a response. Lincoln: I agree. We have harpooned this monster slavery--now I can only hope it doesn't shipwreck shipwreck, complete or partial destruction of a vessel as a result of collision, fire, grounding, storm, explosion, or other mishap. In the ancient world sea travel was hazardous, but in modern times the number of shipwrecks due to nonhostile causes has steadily the republic. Narrator D: In December, the President is still reasoning with the country in his annual message to Congress. Lincoln (in his message): Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves, In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free. We are honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth. Narrator D: The President cannot sleep on New Year's Eve. On New Year's Day New Year's Day, among ancient peoples the first day of the year frequently corresponded to the vernal or autumnal equinox, or to the summer or winter solstice. In the Middle Ages it was celebrated among Christians usually on Mar. 25. , 1863, he spends hours greeting people in the White House. Finally, he retires to his office with several Cabinet members and takes up his pen. Lincoln: Gentlemen, if my hand trembles signing this proclamation, I hope it is not from indecision but from shaking so many hands today. I am now sure we are doing the right thing. If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act. AFTERWORD The Emancipation Proclamation did not free any slaves directly because it applied only to states under Confederate control. But it did lead to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified (approved) in 1865, which outlawed slavery in the United States The history of slavery in the United States (1619-1865) began soon after the English colonists first settled in Virginia and lasted until the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. . Eventually; the document Abraham Lincoln had produced as a military necessity would come to be seen as one of the most important in American history. Words to Know * abolition: the abolishing or ending of slavery. * border states: Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware, which stayed in the Union but did not outlaw slavery. West Virginia, admitted to the Union in 1863, was also considered a border state. * confiscation: the taking of property by law. * proclamation: official statement. * Unionist: an individual from a slave state who is loyal to the Union. Your Turn WORD MATCH 1. confiscate A. free 2. compensate B. withdraw 3, emancipate C. approve 4. secede D. pay 5. ratify E. take 1. E; 2. D; 3, A; 4. B; 5. C THINK ABOUT IT What qualities did Abraham Lincoln need to become a good leader? Describe an individual in your life who possesses some of those qualities. * OBJECTIVE Students should understand * what the Emancipation Proclamation was and why Abraham Lincoln issued it. * WORD TO KNOW proclamation: the formal, public announcement of an official plan, policy, or idea * TEACHING STRATEGY Ask students: "What freed America's slaves--the Emancipation Proclamation or an amendment to the Constitution?" Allow them to discuss which they think is correct and why. After they read the play, ask and discuss the same question. * BACKGROUND Although Abraham Lincoln was personally opposed to slavery, he believed that the Civil War was about the Union--whether the United Stateswould be held together as one nation, or split into two. He struggled to balance the issue of slavery against other factors that might affect the outcome of the war. * CRITICAL THINKING COMPREHENSION: Why does Secretary of State William Seward advise President Lincoln not to announce the Emancipation Proclamation until the North has "a firm military victory"? (Seward wanted Lincoln to make his announcement from a position of strength, rather than of weakness or desperation.) MAKING INFERENCES: What did President Lincoln mean when he said that slavery would "die a natural death" if left where it was? (Lincoln believed the institution of slavery to be so wrong that eventually people in every state would refuse to support or otherwise accept it.) * ACTIVITY Have students look up, then discuss, the unofficial holiday of Juneteenth. (It commemorates June 19, 1865, the day slaves in Texas finally learned of the Emancipation Proclamation.) Why did the news take so long to reach them? What did they do when they heard it? STANDARDS SOCIAL STUDIES, GRADES 5-8 * Power, authority, and governance: How President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in an effort to preserve the Union and win the Civil War. * Time, continuity, and change: How the issue of states' rights states' rights, in U.S. history, doctrine based on the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. and slavery divided the country, leading to the secession of several Southern states, and later to the American Civil War American Civil War or Civil War or War Between the States (1861–65) Conflict between the U.S. federal government and 11 Southern states that fought to secede from the Union. . RESOURCES * Freedman, Russell, Lincoln: A Photobiography (Clarion Books, 1987). Grades 7-8. * Ford, Carin T., Lincoln, Slavery, and the Emancipation Proclamation (Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2004). Grades 7-8. WEB SITES * The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum looks at the life of the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, and the course of the American Civil War. Combining traditional scholarship with 21st century showmanship techniques, the popular museum continues to draw people from alincoln-library.com * Match the clue in the left column with the answer in the right column.
-- 11. Kentucky A. when the American
Civil War started
-- 12. South Carolina B. a slave state that
stayed in the Union
-- 13. January 1, 1863 C. state where the first
battle of the American
Civil War was fought
-- 14. April 12, 1861 D. date the Emancipation
Proclamation went
into effect
-- 15. Virginia E. where the capital of
the Confederate
States was located
11. B 12. C 13. D 14. A 15. E |
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