jan 1, 1863 - Emancipation Proclamation

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Abraham Lincoln didn't state slavery as a cause of the civil war in the beginning as it wouldn't promote the north to support the war effort. However, by 1862, many slaves had fled north and joined the Northern armies. Therefore, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclimation to free all slaves. The Proclimation never freed any slaves, however it was a turning point for the war and caused people to fight for the freedom of fellow humans.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/emancipation-proclamation

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