I need help on a DBQ on page A114-115, I have the 13th edition if that matters. Basicall the prompt is discuss the relationship between Lincoln's goal of preserving the Union and freeing slaves. ok here's the whole question



"In a letter to newspaperman Horace Greeley on August 22, 1862, Abraham Lincoln explained, "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 do it by freeing some and leaving others, I would also do that." SIx months later, however, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, making abolition of slavery as well as the preservation of the Union, a war aim. Disciss the relationship between Lincoln's golas of preserving the Union and freeing the slaves."

Post the exact question, it will help. Keep in mind that the Civil War was NOT started to free the slaves, but to preserve the Union, and that Lincoln technically had no power in the south. So think about why he would issue the Emancipation Proclamation, even though technically it was powerless, in relation to his primary goal to preserve the Union. I hope that helps for now. Post the while question and I'll try and help more ;).

That's a good place to start, especially the point about how the Emancipation Proclamation was essentially a worthless piece of paper for Southern slaves in any territory that was not directly controlled by Union forces. It had huge symbolic value, but that was about it.

Also, as I say for all DBQ questions, look for ways to group the documents in some way. That will make it easier because it gives you a solid basis for your body paragraphs, then all you have to do is give a paragraph about which viewpoint or argument is most compelling and tack on an opening and closing and you're done.