What did president Lincoln sign in 1862?

Answer 1

Actually, Lincoln signed several pieces of legislation in 1862. But I suspect you are referring to the Emancipation Proclamation, issued in a preliminary form in Sept. 1862, and in its final form (to take effect) on January 1, 1863.

To clarify a few points about the Emancipation Proclamation

a) It was a direct Presidential act, based on his warpowers as Commander-in-chief. Though the President had no Constitutional authority to free slaves in the states of the Union, he did have broad powers to do whatever was necessary to fight a war, including against states in rebellion. In this case, the proclamation would help to deprive those fighting the government of the slave-labor that helped support their war effort.

b) Though the proclamation did not of itself free slaves, it ordered the Union army to assist in the freeing of slaves, and not to return any slave from the Confederacy to his master. Thus, as the Union army took control of new Southern territories, if freed & sheltered the slaves there.

c) The Proclamation also authorized the recruitment of these newly freed slaves into the Union military, augmenting their manpower. In fact, by war's end nearly 200, 000 freed slaves had fought for the Union as a result of this provision.

Answer 2

The 13th Ammendment was signed and it was during the Civil War

Answer 3

Animation Proclamation

Answer 4

The Emancipation Proclamation