President Abraham Lincoln signs the executive order emancipating all slaves in states and parts of states controlled by the Confederacy.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
President Abraham Lincoln signs the executive order emancipating all slaves in states and parts of states controlled by the Confederacy.
With the northern war effort in decline, Abraham Lincoln begins to reconsider whether or not he should free slaves by presidential decree.
Abraham Lincoln signs a bill into law freeing the slaves in the District of Columbia, despite bitter opposition.
Abraham Lincoln finally decides upon a course of action regarding Great Britain’s demands to release the Confederate envoys seized aboard the British steamer Trent.
The second session of the first Republican-dominated Congress opened with many intent on destroying slavery as a means to win the war.
The U.S. House of Representatives finally approves a compromise measure, but for many it seems too little too late.