Thesis: The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by sitting US President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
Supports: The order called for the freedom of all slaves living in the southern ten rebelling states. The Emancipation Proclaamation impacted an estimated 3 million slaves living in the United States during that time and allowed an estimated 200,000 African Americans to enlist and fight for the Union Army. This additional manpower assisted the Union in winning the Civil War against the Confederacy.
