Emancipation and Refugees

self-emancipation continued and grew
abolitionists and “radical” Republicans in Congress pressured Lincoln for: * emancipation as a war measure * African American enlistment
northern opinions on emancipation shifted as the war intensified * White Union troops especially * saw slavery as the cause of the rebellion * argued that destroying slavery was the only way to permanently save the Union * during war’s final years, a way to make their suffering mean something * civilians too, but many stayed opposed
Congress also moved emancipation policy forward:
first confiscation act, august 1861 * authorized US government to seize private property in rebel states used to promote rebellion (including slaves) * left status of “contrabands” unclear
second confiscation act, July 1862 * expanded and clarified * freed enslaved people belonging to anyone aiding the rebellion

300 “contraband camps” in total
many different arrangements: * some spontaneous, some planned * camps or barracks alongside the US Army * confiscated plantations leased out by the federal governemtn * some land redistribution and agrarian colonies
refugees found only limited safety/security * Union forces moved frequently, refugees weren’t the main priority * private humanitarian aid insufficient * shifting opportunities for work and support * poor treatment conditions * epidemic diseases * abuse by soldiers and civilians on both sides
an “embattled freedom” for refugees * federal policy developed slowly and unevenly * refugees pushed for government support and protection (not always successful) * for most, emancipation was a process, not a single event or moment