Lincoln’s Documents

Martina and Terrance visit the battlefield at Gettysburg

When the Civil War began, Abraham Lincoln’s goal was to preserve the Union. In order to accomplish this, President Lincoln abolished slavery in any rebel state by instating the Emancipation Proclamation. After the battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln gave the opening address at the Union cemetery in Gettysburg. This short speech reassured the American people that the United States was one nation. Join Martina and Terrance as they explore the impact the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address had on the Civil War.

Essential Question

• How did President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address reflect the goal of the Union in the Civil War?