Who Freed the Slaves?
African Americans gained their freedom by themselves
The slaves played an essential role in abolishing slavery
African American saw the Civil War as a place to end slavery, risked their lives to escape from Confederate territory to Union lines, and fought in the war despite unequal treatment, given these I strongly believe that the slaves freed themselves.
Escaping to Fight for Freedom
In August 1861, Lincoln wrote a letter stating that if any African American joined the army they will be sentenced to death or deported back to slavery (Film Glory). Nonetheless, slaves continued to escape, risking their lives to Union lines during the Civil War.
African Americans helped win the war
In Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation he said, “And I further declare and make known, that such persons will be received into the armed service of the United States.” I think the slaves freed themselves because Lincoln only wanted to recruit more soldiers to fight (Lincoln, Emancipation Proclamation).
Lincolns Words "They are freeing themselves"
Lincoln announced in Document A, that he will only free slaves in the rebellion states. He didn't believe there should be a law to end slavery. In August 1862, Lincoln realizes that whatever he does, the slaves are freeing themselves simply by running into the northern armies (Tarabell).
African Americans gained their Freedom
Without a doubt, slaves detained the opportunities provided by the Civil War to secure their own freedom as fugitives from slavery, laborers for the Union army, and soldiers in battle against the Confederacy. In other words, I think that the slaves freed themselves, they volunteered to fight in the Civil War, eight out of every ten black soldiers who served were escaped slaves, many died in the combat, but despite the hardships they went through, the African Americans gained their freedom because of their courageous, determination, and fearlessness.
African Americans standing as Soldiers ready to fight for Freedom
Word Cited
Document A Lincoln, Abraham, Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, modified and original. Stanford History Education Group. Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction | Stanford History Education Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.
Document B Douglas, Frederick, The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, excerpts from 1881. Stanford History Education Group. Unit 5: Civil War and Reconstruction | Stanford History Education Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.