Reply #76: Actually the Emancipation Proclamation [View All]

[The Croquist]

was justified as helping to put down an unlawful rebellion. Slaves were an integral part of the Confederate economy as were horses, mules, livestock, farms and factories. As property, the slaves were seized as were horses, mules, livestock, farms and factories. There was no moral justification needed. It was to further the war effort. The fact that they were freed was almost besides the point. As Lincoln said:

"If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that."

Abraham Lincoln
August 22, 1862