The Emancipation Proclamation — Reading Comprehension

The Emancipation Proclamation was an order made by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. It was announced on January 1, 1863. This important document said that all enslaved people in the southern states were now free. Lincoln made this decision because he wanted to help end slavery and bring the country together.

Before the Emancipation Proclamation, the United States was divided. Some states in the South wanted to keep slavery. Other states in the North wanted to end it. The Civil War started in 1861 because of these disagreements. Many people fought and suffered during the war. President Lincoln knew that freeing the slaves would weaken the South and help the Union win the war.

Lincoln wrote, "That on the first day of January... all persons held as slaves... shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." This quote shows his goal to help enslaved people. The Emancipation Proclamation did not free all slaves right away. It freed slaves only in the states that were fighting against the Union. But it gave hope and strength to millions of people.

After the Proclamation, many African Americans joined the Union army. They became brave soldiers who fought for freedom. The Emancipation Proclamation was the first step to ending slavery in the whole country. Later, the Thirteenth Amendment made slavery illegal everywhere in the United States.

Interesting Fact: More than 180,000 African Americans served in the Union army after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Who was president during the Emancipation Proclamation?

When was the Emancipation Proclamation announced?

What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

Why did Lincoln want to free the slaves?

What was the effect of the Proclamation?

Who joined the Union army after the Proclamation?

The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery everywhere. True or false?

What does "Emancipation" mean?