Abraham Lincoln, African Americans, & the Emancipation Proclamation

Abraham Lincoln is often called The Great Emancipator; however, enslaved people were also active in seizing their own freedom in a variety of ways - from taking advantage of the chaos of war to flee, to fighting in the United States Colored Troops, to advocating for freedom as Civil Rights leaders. This resource kit will specifically supply students with primary sources related to the ways that enslaved people fought for their own freedom, as well as conflicting reactions to the Emancipation Proclamation as illustrated through political cartoons and symbols. Guiding Questions: 1. How did the African American community contribute to gaining their freedom from slavery? 2. How did Abraham Lincoln contribute to gaining freedom for enslaved people? 3. How was the Emancipation Proclamation viewed differently by different groups of people?