Describe at least two actions taken by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. (These can include speeches, policies, decisions, etc). How did these actions impact the course of the war? Why are they an important part of his legacy? (2-3 sentences per action)

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863, about 3 years into the Civil War. The purpose was to strengthen the Union cause which was equality and protecting the black lives in America; and by doing that he declared "that all persons held as slaves ... in the southern states "are, and henceforward shall be free." In addition the purpose was also to shorten the war - he didn't want anymore blood shed on both sides of the spectrum. Without the Emancipation Proclamation the U. S. would have endured a lot more hardship these including many more deaths, an even bigger crash in economy and many more years of oppression - and protesting that came with it. It is a human right to be free and morally speaking no one should be subjected to someone and further labeled as property that one can sell and obtain. So in short the Emancipation Proclamation laid down the foundation of the Fifteenth Amendment and entirely change the significance of the war and furthermore shed an importance and a fight for all types of equality in the future.

In November 1863 Abraham Lincoln crafted (dare a say - * insert Italian chef kiss * ) a call to action speech to ignite social change against black oppression in the southern states. In addition to recognizing social reforms Lincoln furthers his speech as a dedication to the fallen soldiers lost in battle, whether that have been from the Unionists or the Confederates: he gave remembrance and importance to all lives lost in battle. In his Gettysburg Address Lincoln states that the Civil War was an action taken to preserve a government, "for the people by the people for the people." The people would shy away from the role of government if change didn't occur thus it was necessity to accommodate the people of the United States in addition to its motto which states that freedom and justice be served to all no matter race. To be subjected based on uncontrolled circumstances is unjust and morally wrong. Leaders of the so called, "free world," would be hypocrite if they didn't stand by what they said.