Synopsis
This book describes the roots of slavery in the United States, and examines the reasons why certain people and states were for it, while others were opposed to it. It also explains why President Lincoln issued the proclamation when he did, whom the proclamation freed, and whom it did not, and some of the effects it had on future events. Readers learn about the differences between northern and southern economies, how slavery became a states rights issue, how Congress struggled to maintain a balance between free and slave states, and how Lincoln's election forced 11 southern states to leave the Union and hastened the beginning of the Civil War.
Includes the full text of the Proclamation, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and portions of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
Teresa Copeland - VOYA
This series covers some of the most important documents in American history, providing photos of the documents along with historical photographs and images and full text for each document. The Emancipation Proclamation goes into the background of the Civil War and the abolitionist movement. Much of the text is devoted to Lincoln's decision-making processes and the reasoning that went into making the proclamation when he did. Although McComb attempts to explore the nuances involved in the ending of slavery, space constraints result in some oversimplification. Included as well are the full text of the fugitive slave act and the amendments to the Constitution dealing with civil rights. The text is very simple, and all the topics are touched upon quite briefly. With the integrated illustrations, easy text, and short format, these works, which also include books on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, serve best as a starting point, or a quick way to find the full text of these documents. (American Documents). VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2006, National Geographic, 48p.; Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos., Ages 11 to 14.