Yesterday, December 18th, we talked about the writ of habeas corpus and how Lincoln suspended it. The writ of habeas corpus is the right to not be imprisoned without just cause. President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus to keep the Union strong; he justified his actions by using the Constitution, "The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion of Public Safety may require it." This wasn't right, because it infringes on rights stated in the Bill of Rights, and he should have had approval from the legislative branch. Under Lincoln's orders, people were imprisoned who spoke out against the Union, evaded the draft, or were "guilty of disloyal practices".
Today, December 19th, we reviewed the battles of the Civil War and talked about the Emancipation Proclamation. The Union soldiers were inexperienced and not well trained; it took them 4 days to move 25 miles to the battleground, and their retreat from the first battle was known as the "Great Skedaddle". The Emancipation Proclamation was created to gain a military advantage in the Union. It only freed slaves in the states under rebellion (Confederate Sates of America), but it also inspired more people to enlist so they could be part of a battle for freedom.
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