The Emancipation Proclamation - Text vs. Rationale
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Emancipation Proclamation: A Primary Source Analysis
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
The Emancipation Proclamation is an important document for students to study and understand in in relation to American History. Engage students and learn more with Storyboard That!
Storyboard Description
Analyze the Emancipation Proclamation and reinterpret it's words in modern language to help students get a better understanding of what the document is saying
Storyboard Text
- EXCERPT 1
- EXCERPTS
- EXCERPT 1
- RATIONALE
- FREEDOM!
- EXCERPT 1
- MODERN WORDING
- What we have been finally waiting for!
- "That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
- EXCERPT 2
- All slaves are forever free!
- This quote can be found in the first few lines of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is stating that on the first of January, 1863, all persons held as slaves in rebellious states are free from this point on.
- EXCERPT 2
- Modern Words: On this day, January 1st, 1863, anyone and everyone held as a slave in the rebelling states of the Confederacy are now free. Not just today, not just throughout the war, but forever.
- EXCERPT 2
- Fight for your nation!
- Freedmen...JOIN US!
- We support you, Mr. President!
- "...and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom."
- EXCERPT 3
- We will have a formidable army!
- This quote is also found in the immediate beginning of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is saying that the government, military and navy will, and must, recognize freed slaves in rebellious states. More so, they will also respect their freedom and will not restrict them.
- EXCERPT 3
- We swear to execute our duties with honor!
- The Executive Branch of our government must, and will, respect the newly appointed freedom of slaves. Not only that, but the military and navy must also respect this freedom as well. Oppression will be no more!
- EXCERPT 3
- We MUST protect this fort!
- "And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service."
- This quote can be found towards the end of the Emancipation Proclamation. It states that any persons, including newly freed slaves, that are in suitable condition may enter the armed forces. Furthermore, they are to work and operate duties at forts, garrisons and other places.
- Any freedmen of the South may take up arms with the Union. They can fight and work any jobs necessary to help us win the war! We will accept you and help you with our cause!
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