Existing comment:
"In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free, honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve."
-- Abraham Lincoln
What really Ended Slavery?
The Emancipation Proclamation was a major step in solving the slavery issue. However, a Constitutional amendment was required as slaves were considered property protected by the Constitution. Congress debated several proposals before final passage by the Senate in early April 1864 and the House in late January 1865. Lincoln's signature sent it to the states for ratification.
The 13th Amendment required ratification by 27 of the 36 states. By December, 1865, enough states passed the amendment to ultimately end slavery. Eventually all states voted in favor, but three took until the 20th century. Supported by the 14th Amendment (1968 -- protecting civil right) and the 15th Amendment (1870 -- banning racial voting restrictions), the road to freedom was finally opened.
"1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."
-- United States Constitution, Amendment 13 |