What was the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation?

The Emancipation Proclamation was a landmark document issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. Its primary effect was the declaration of freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. This meant that enslaved individuals in those areas were to be set free, which was a significant step toward the abolition of slavery in the United States.

The Proclamation transformed the Civil War from a fight for the Union into a battle for freedom. While it did not immediately free all enslaved people—since it only applied to areas in rebellion and not the border states loyal to the Union—it signaled a clear commitment from the federal government to end slavery. This set the stage for the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery entirely in the United States.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary outcome of the Emancipation Proclamation. It did not establish new territories, end the Civil War directly, or promote women's suffrage. Instead, its main focus was unequivocally on freeing enslaved individuals, marking a pivotal moment in American history.