The Emancipation Proclamation

In 1863, during the middle of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued what is perhaps the most famous executive order of all time -- the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Emancipation Proclamation declared slavery illegal in the southern states that were in rebellion. In several ways, the proclamation was more limited than most people realize. For example, it only applied to those states that were in rebellion against the United States. It did not prohibit slavery in those states that remained loyal to the Union. In addition, Lincoln was not really in control of the territories to which the proclamation applied -- that is, the Proclamation had little or no immediate effect.

The Emancipation Proclamation's ultimate importance is symbolic. It stands as a symbol of the federal government's repudiation of the institution of slavery. Furthermore, it is symbolic of the growing power of the presidency. While he was president, Abraham Lincoln took several actions that increased the power of the office of the presidency (see the discussion of habeas corpus in the Civil Liberties Timeline). Some scholars doubt whether Lincoln had the power to unilaterally declare slavery illegal, but his willingness to do so further enhanced the power and visibility of his office.