10 Great What-Ifs of American History

What If Lincoln Never Issued the Emancipation Proclamation? (1x7)

Air date: Jan 01, 2024

We’re trained to believe the arc of history bends toward justice, and President Lincoln establishing freedom for the slaves in America is a critical step in this arc. However, Lincoln was not an abolitionist at the start of the Civil War. So, if the war had ended sooner, he might not have issued the Emancipation Proclamation. What then? Find out in this thought-provoking lecture.