jan 1, 1863 - Emancipation Proclamation

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Created by President Abraham Lincoln
Legally abolished slavery in all states
Changed the focus of the war to slavery
Didn't immediately free any slaves but signaled an end to the institution of slavery
Allowed free blacks to join the North army
Kept Europe out of the war because they didn't want to side with the South and look like they supported slavery
Raised the morale of supporters in the North
Angered some members of the Union army who believed they were fighting for the preservation of the Union, not to end slavery

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