Different Perspectives

Worksheet Description

This worksheet invites students to embark on a thought experiment where they place themselves in the shoes of a slave residing in one of the border states during the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. The prompt encourages students to ponder and record their hypothetical feelings and thoughts on President Abraham Lincoln’s historic executive order. By situating themselves in this challenging and emotionally charged historical context, students are prompted to explore the complexities surrounding the Emancipation Proclamation from a deeply personal perspective.

The central goal of this worksheet is to foster empathy and deepen historical understanding by allowing students to emotionally and intellectually engage with the past. By asking them to imagine the lived experiences of individuals affected by pivotal historical events, the activity promotes a more nuanced comprehension of the Emancipation Proclamation’s significance. This exercise also encourages critical thinking, as students must reconcile their modern perspectives with the historical context of the 1860s. Through this reflective process, students are likely to develop a more profound connection to the material, recognizing the human stories interwoven with major historical milestones.