What We Really Owe Lincoln A Debt Of Gratitude For On Slavery.

The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln 163 years ago in September 1862. And some people say the proclamation fundamentally changed the character of the conflict, adding a powerful moral cause to the Union's effort.

The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln that declared all enslaved people in Confederate-held territories to be free. Those in Union-controlled areas remained enslaved. But the 13th Amendment was approved by the Senate in April 1864 and was officially ratified in December 1865. Lincoln strongly supported the 13th Amendment and was crucial to its passage. And the 13th Amendment outlawed both slavery and involuntary servitude anywhere in the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

It still protects us to this day and it is what we really owe President Lincoln the greatest debt of gratitude for.