Freedom Shift

This passage explains how the Emancipation Proclamation changed the Union’s war goals. At first, Lincoln’s main goal was to preserve the Union. By 1862, he realized the war had to address slavery to weaken the Confederacy and gain support. The Proclamation turned the war into a fight for freedom, not just unity. It became a powerful symbol that reshaped the meaning of the Civil War.

Reading this passage builds comprehension by showing how ideas and purposes can evolve over time. Students practice identifying changes in tone and emphasis. Vocabulary like “preserve,” “symbol,” and “unity” strengthens academic word knowledge. Students also practice synthesizing information by connecting early war goals with later shifts. This improves both comprehension and critical thinking skills.