The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. While it did not immediately free all enslaved individuals, it was a crucial step toward the abolition of slavery and changed the character of the Civil War by adding moral weight to the Union's cause.
The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, explicitly abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. The other amendments listed pertain to citizenship rights, voting rights, and women's suffrage, respectively.
The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, was primarily intended to announce and justify the separation of the American colonies from British rule. While it does discuss rights and governance, its core purpose was to declare independence.
A primary source is an original document or firsthand account from the time period being studied. A soldier's diary provides direct insight into personal experiences and perspectives during World War II, while the other options are interpretations or summaries of historical events.
Early civilizations often developed near rivers due to the availability of water for drinking, agriculture, and transportation. Rivers provided fertile land for farming, which supported population growth and the development of complex societies.
