What significant act did Lincoln propose in 1863?

Abraham Lincoln proposed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 during the Civil War as a pivotal measure aimed at abolishing slavery in the Confederate states. This act was significant because it declared that all enslaved people in the rebellious states would be set free, signaling a fundamental shift in the war’s objectives. While it didn’t immediately free any slaves, it changed the character of the war by making the fight against slavery a central goal of the Union cause.

The proclamation also allowed for the enlistment of African American soldiers in the Union Army, further emphasizing freedom and equality. This important document laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery nationwide with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865.

In contrast, while the Homestead Act, the Morrill Act, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act are all significant legislations that shaped the United States, none directly addressed the issue of slavery during the Civil War like the Emancipation Proclamation did. The Homestead Act focused on land distribution to promote westward expansion, the Morrill Act aimed at establishing colleges focused on agriculture and mechanic arts, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed new territories to decide on the legality of slavery, which ultimately led to conflict. Therefore