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states. This provided the moral high ground for the

Union.

However, On January 1, 1863, within three months after

his initial proclamation, Lincoln issued his final
16
Emancipation Proclamation . This order completely
redefined the Union’s mission from reunification to the
complete abolishment of slavery forever. This final

proclamation declared that all persons held as slaves
within the rebel states shall henceforward be free. This
decree also called for the recruitment and establishment

of black military units among the Union forces. An
estimated 180,000 black Americans went on to serve in

the army, while another 18,000 served in the navy.

Clearly, the election of Abraham Lincoln marked a
pivotal turning point that changed the direction of
America. His leadership set the nation on a mission to

end the darkest period in American history.

– The Third Pivotal Turning Point
th
The 13 Amendment proved to be a vital turning point
17
for America . This milestone came as the Civil War was
coming to a victorious close. Abraham Lincoln had long
realized that the legal authority of the Emancipation
Proclamation that he had issued as a “war powers” act

was only temporary; it would cease to be valid once the

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