Reginald Washington is an expert in African-American documents at the National Archives. He says the document changed the debate about why the Civil War was being fought.
“The proclamation, however, did bring about a fundamental change in the character of the war. With a stroke of Lincoln’s pen, a war to preserve the union had overnight become a war for human liberation. For the nearly 4,000,000 slaves held in bondage, it was a symbol of hope. It gave confirmation to their beliefs and insistence that the war should be -- and was for them -- a war to secure their freedom.”
Mr. Washington says many historians and scholars believe the Emancipation Proclamation is one of the greatest documents in human freedom. He says some historians believe it is as important in American history at the Declaration of Independence.
The National Archives has produced a free e-book on the Emancipation Proclamation. The one hundred fifty year old document was not well cared-for in the past. To protect it from further damage, officials permit its display for only 30 hours a year. However, the National Archives is considering the proclamation’s display in other parts of the country this year to celebrate its anniversary.
“The Impossible
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Eight years ago, huge deadly waves hit the coasts of several Indian Ocean countries. 230,000 people were killed in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand. A new film explores the horrific experience of one family on the Thai coast when the waves arrived.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25