Which President issued the Emancipation Proclamation?

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. This pivotal executive order declared the freedom of all enslaved people in the Confederate states, effectively transforming the Civil War into a struggle not just for the Union but also for the liberation of enslaved individuals. Lincoln's move was significant as it demonstrated his commitment to ending slavery, a core issue at the heart of the conflict between the North and South. By freeing enslaved people in rebelling states, Lincoln aimed to weaken the Confederacy's resources and bolster the Union army, which would eventually allow African Americans to serve in the military and fight for their own freedom. The proclamation also set the stage for the eventual adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. Thus, Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation marked a crucial turning point in American history, establishing a moral legitimacy for the Union's war efforts and reshaping the nation’s future regarding civil rights.