In this final part of our six part episode on Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, we review exactly how Lincoln made his decision--one that was forced upon him by circumstance, and the unwavering insistance of millions of Americans that slavery be abolished, forever.

Audio Clips:

Martin Luther King, Jr., excerpt from the "I Have a Dream" speech (1963): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs

Musical Clips:

"Let Jesus Lead You," The Jubilee Gospel Team (date unknown): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pqx8bkCkL8
"I Be So Happy When The Sun Goes Down," Ed Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-zlSq4mWiE
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home," Henry Burr (1911): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KQHU3wJq4o
"Rock My Soul," The Heavenly Gospel Singers (1936?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSkkeceOtFg
"We're Coming, Father Abraam" (date unknown): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS5fDOiQJA0
"CC Rider Blues," Ma Rainey (1924):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trtxZgF3Dns
"Battle Cry of Freedom," Vic Bondi (2022): https://vicbondi.bandcamp.com/track/battle-cry-of-freedom

Bibliography:

Hans L. Trefousse, Lincoln's Decision for Emancipation (Lippincott, 1975)
C.Vann Woodward, The Strange Career of Jim Crow (1955; Oxford, 2001)

Eric Foner, Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution - 1863-1877 (1989; Harper, 2014)

Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation Part Six: The Last Best Hope on Earth