Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Justice

In this lesson, students will learn about Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Students will specifically learn about how Lincoln’s actions conform to the idea of justice and how they can apply this idea into actions in their own lives.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• What was Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Emancipation Proclamation?
• Why did Abraham Lincoln structure the proclamation as he did?
• What compromises have you made in your own pursuit of justice?
• What does Abraham Lincoln’s tireless pursuit of justice say about his identity?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
• Students will understand how they can act justly in their actions.
• Students will apply their knowledge of justice to their own lives.