Entering Into the 21st Century, 1980–Present

Emphasis on a strict interpretation of the Constitution

Advocacy for a strong federal banking system

Support for high protective tariffs to foster industry

Expanded suffrage for white men without property restrictions

Though it declared freedom for all persons held in bondage, actually enforcing the edict depended upon Union victory and the success of military campaigns. A significant portion of territory still lay beyond the reach of Union forces at the time of the proclamation's issuance.

Recognition of the practical limitations regarding enforcement suggests that the proclamation was more of a tool for leverage against the Confederacy and a wartime gesture rather than a comprehensive plan to eradicate slavery throughout the whole nation.

Lincoln's primary goal of preserving the Union meant that he hesitated to interfere directly with institutionally embedded systems like those existing in loyal slaveholding states, suggesting a reluctance to fully commit to the abolition cause.

The fact that it only applied to rebelling states and left border state slavery intact is seen as limiting the overall impact of the proclamation in freeing slaves. This is why some scholars deem it as limited.

To assert more direct control over the economic activities of southern plantation colonies.

To promote trade with Native American tribes through regulated and centralized outposts.

To encourage colonists to settle further into Florida, recently acquired from Spain.

To prevent colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflict with Native Americans.

It triggered immediate governmental reforms addressing poverty and urbanization concerns.

It inspired a wave of reform movements like temperance and women's rights campaigns.

It led to a decline in religious influence as enlightenment ideas became more prevalent.

It caused increased legal restrictions on freedom of worship and assembly nationwide.

World War II

Korean War

Spanish-American War

American Revolutionary War

Declaration of Independence

The U.S Constitution

Articles of Confederation

Magna Carta

Women gained voting rights

Outbreak of Spanish Flu

End of slavery in America

Initiation of Great Depression

To immediately encourage widespread American settlement west of the Mississippi River.

To support French financial needs in anticipation of a British war with France.

To demonstrate American military strength to European powers.

To secure American control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans for trade.

Machine guns

Radar technology

Atomic Bomb

Submarine warfare

Bush vs Gore

Bush vs Obama

Roe vs Wade

US v Nixon