Title: “Thenceforward and Forever Free” | American Battlefield Trust
Headings: “Thenceforward and Forever Free”
“Thenceforward and Forever Free”
The Emancipation Proclamation and Its Effect on the War

Content: The fighting continued, however, and with the New Year, the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in the ten rebellious states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. In the Proclamation Lincoln declared, “All persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free.” He also pledged that, “the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons.” However, because Lincoln did not want to incite a slave rebellion, he cautioned the freed slaves to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defense.” He also recommended that “in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages." The Emancipation Proclamation changed the meaning and purpose of the Civil War. The war was no longer just about preserving the Union— it was also about freeing the slaves. Foreign powers such as Britain and France lost their enthusiasm for supporting the Confederacy. Furthermore, the Emancipation Proclamation also stated that, “Such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States ….” African-Americans could now join the army, and eagerly did so, aiding the Union war effort.