Lincoln’s Choice

This passage examines why Lincoln chose to issue the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Political pressures from abolitionists and international factors pushed him to act. Enslaved people were already resisting slavery through escape and military service. By freeing enslaved workers, Lincoln weakened the South’s economy and labor system. His decision changed the purpose of the war and moved the U.S. closer to ending slavery.

Analyzing this passage develops students’ critical thinking by asking them to evaluate leadership decisions. They strengthen vocabulary with words like “abolitionists,” “economic,” and “political.” Students practice cause-and-effect reasoning by linking slavery, economy, and war outcomes. This also helps comprehension by showing how multiple factors can shape one decision. Overall, it sharpens both reading and historical analysis skills.