Analyzing the Emancipation Proclamation

"Did Abraham Lincoln decide to issue the Emancipation Proclamation mostly for military reasons or mostly because of his moral principles?"

Sixth graders are using the website "Zoom In" to try to understand why Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.    Students are analyzing and taking notes over four primary documents from the 1800's.   Each source can be found in the National Archives and supports a point of view that the students will consider, adopt, and debate in small groups. 

After the debate, students will write a four-paragraph argument essay in response to the lesson question.  Claims will be supported with interpretations of the positions and quotes from the documents.   

Autumn concentrating on the information and forming an opinion.

 Autumn distracted by the photographer!