Lincoln Promulgates the Thirteenth Amendment

February 1st, 1865

February 1st, 1865

Lincoln Promulgates the Thirteenth Amendment
How Long Ago?

160 years, 1 month, 14 days ago

Location

Washington, D.C.

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

American Civil War

People
  • William H. Seward
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Andrew Johnson
  • Thaddeus Stevens
Links & References
Tags

Lincoln Promulgates the Thirteenth Amendment

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. This landmark legislation marked a critical moment in American history and reflected the growing social and political momentum toward emancipation. The amendment was passed by Congress in January 1865 and was signed by Lincoln at the White House in Washington, D.C. Its passage was crucial in the context of the ongoing Civil War, aiming to ensure liberty and equality for all individuals, particularly African Americans. The Thirteenth Amendment set the stage for subsequent civil rights advancements.

Amendment signed during the Civil War.

Abolished slavery in all states.

Paved the way for civil rights.

Ratified by states later in 1865.

What Happened?

On February 1, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, a significant step towards the abolition of slavery in the country. The amendment had been passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and it formally prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude, within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction. This momentous action took place in the midst of the American Civil War, a conflict driven in part by deep-seated divisions over slavery. Lincoln, who believed strongly in the preservation of the Union and the principles of liberty, viewed the amendment as vital to securing a future where all men would be free.The passage of the Thirteenth Amendment was not merely a legal formality; it was reflective of a broader societal shift occurring in the United States. As the war progressed, attitudes towards slavery began to change, influenced by abolitionist movements and the recognition of the contributions of African American soldiers in the Union army. The logistical and moral imperatives that were advancing the war effort began to align with innovative ideas about human rights. Lincoln's decision to sign the amendment signaled a commitment to transform American society and laid the groundwork for further steps towards civil rights.The Thirteenth Amendment would eventually be ratified by the states and became part of the Constitution on December 6, 1865, thus revolutionizing the legal landscape of the nation. This pivotal change not only freed millions of enslaved individuals but also sparked discussions about the rights and roles of African Americans in society. Subsequent amendments and civil rights laws were built upon this foundation, emphasizing the lasting impact of Lincoln's signing of this critical amendment.

Why Does it Matter?

The signing of the Thirteenth Amendment is interesting because it marked a fundamental shift in American society and law, abolishing slavery and transforming the social fabric of the nation. This event was a key moment in the long struggle for civil rights, paving the way for future legislation aimed at ensuring equality and justice for all citizens.

Discover More Historic Events from February 1st

Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic well accident of Rayan Aourram in Morocco

February 1st, 2022 3 years ago

A five-year-old boy named Rayan Aourram fell into a 32-meter deep well in Ighran village, located in the Tamorot commune of Chefchaouen Province, Morocco. This unfortunate incident occurred on a day that would turn into a national tragedy as rescue workers desperately tried to reach Rayan over the course of four days. Despite their efforts and the support from hundreds of locals, he succumbed to his injuries and died before being rescued, leaving the community in mourning.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Myanmar Military Coup Against Aung San Suu Kyi

February 1st, 2021 4 years ago

Myanmar's military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's government, detaining her and other leaders. The military justified the coup by alleging widespread electoral fraud in the November 2020 elections, which had resulted in a landslide victory for Suu Kyi's party. Following the coup, the military declared a state of emergency for one year. Mass protests erupted across Myanmar, demanding the restoration of democracy and the release of detained leaders, marking a significant resurgence in civil disobedience against military rule.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

The Shard opens its public viewing gallery

February 1st, 2013 12 years ago

The Shard, a prominent skyscraper in London, opened its viewing gallery to the public, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. Located at 310 meters, it became the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the sixth-tallest in Europe. With its unique design, crafted by architect Renzo Piano, the Shard's viewing platform provided an exciting new way to experience London from above, attracting thousands of visitors eager to see the iconic landscape.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Clashes Between Fans in Port Said Stadium

February 1st, 2012 13 years ago

Seventy-four people were killed and over 500 injured during clashes between the fans of Egyptian football teams Al Masry and Al Ahly at Port Said Stadium after a match. The violence erupted as rival fans clashed both inside and outside the stadium, leading to chaos and a large-scale emergency response.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir becomes Prime Minister

February 1st, 2009 16 years ago

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was appointed as Iceland's Prime Minister, marking a significant milestone as she became the first woman to hold the position in the country and the first openly gay leader of any government worldwide. Her appointment came during a period of political and economic turbulence in Iceland. She led a coalition government committed to restoring confidence and reforming the nation after the 2008 financial crisis. Sigurðardóttir's progressive policies aimed at issues such as gender equality and LGBT rights captured international attention, symbolizing a shift towards inclusivity in political leadership.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Transitioning to the Enhanced Fujita Scale

February 1st, 2007 18 years ago

The National Weather Service officially transitioned from the original Fujita scale to the Enhanced Fujita scale for measuring tornado intensity. This change aimed to improve the accuracy of tornado assessments and enhance public safety during severe weather events. The Enhanced Fujita scale includes a more refined set of classifications based on the damage caused by tornadoes, providing meteorologists with better tools for forecasting and public awareness. The transition was part of a broader effort to modernize meteorological measurements involving severe weather.

Continue Reading