What where some Reasons to Oppose the Emancipation Proclamation?
Economics
-- slave holders have a lot of money invested in slaves
-- slaves are needed for the Southern economy to function
-- how are the former slaves going to support themselves?
Social
-- former slaves won't be able to care for themselves
Check some of these sites for more information.
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS308&q=opposition+Emancipation+Proclamation&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, was a landmark executive order that declared all slaves in Confederate territory to be forever free. While it was a pivotal moment in the fight against slavery in America, there were several reasons why some people opposed the Emancipation Proclamation at the time. Here are a few of the main reasons:
1. Economic Concerns: Many opponents of the Emancipation Proclamation argued that it would have negative economic consequences. Slavery was a crucial part of the South's agrarian economy, and the Proclamation threatened their labor force. Those who depended on slavery argued that the loss of free labor would lead to economic ruin, particularly for large plantation owners.
2. States' Rights: The concept of states' rights was a major point of contention during the American Civil War era. Critics argued that the Emancipation Proclamation violated the rights of individual states to determine their own laws and policies, including the issue of slavery. They believed that it was an overreach of federal power that disregarded the autonomy of the states.
3. Racial Prejudice: Racism and racial prejudice were deeply ingrained in American society at the time, and many people held firmly onto the belief that African Americans were inferior to whites. Some individuals opposing the Emancipation Proclamation saw it as an affront to white supremacy and feared that granting freedom to slaves would lead to social upheaval and a loss of control.
4. Political Opposition: Beyond these ideological reasons, there were also political considerations. Many Democrats in the North opposed the Emancipation Proclamation, claiming that it would hinder efforts to reunify the nation and prolong the conflict. Some Democrats also feared that freed slaves would move north and compete for jobs, exacerbating existing economic challenges.
To understand the reasons for opposition to the Emancipation Proclamation in more detail, it is important to consult primary sources, such as speeches, newspaper articles, and personal letters from the time. Additionally, studying the broader historical context of the American Civil War and the social, economic, and political dynamics of the era can provide further insight into the complexities surrounding the issue.