What was the purpose of the Emancipation Proclamation?

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, aimed specifically to free enslaved people in states that were in rebellion against the Union during the Civil War. By declaring that all slaves in those rebellious states were to be set free, the proclamation sought not only to undermine the Confederate war effort but also to alter the character of the Civil War, making it not just a fight for the Union but also a battle for freedom. This legal document changed the status of over three million enslaved individuals in the South, making their liberation a war aim for the Union forces.

Other options presented do not align with historical facts. The first option regarding voting rights for women addresses a different civil rights issue that gained prominence later, primarily in the early 20th century. The second option about declaring war on the South misrepresents the purpose of the proclamation, as it was a response to an existing conflict rather than a declaration of war. Lastly, the establishment of national parks pertains to conservation efforts that began in the 19th century, unrelated to the Emancipation Proclamation and its goals during the Civil War. Overall, the primary mission of the Emancipation Proclamation was to free slaves in the rebellious