What historical document declared the freedom of slaves in the Confederate states?

The Emancipation Proclamation is the historical document that declared the freedom of slaves in the Confederate states. Issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, this executive order specifically targeted areas in rebellion against the Union during the Civil War, meaning that it freed enslaved people in those states. Lincoln's proclamation aimed to weaken the Confederate war effort and was a crucial step towards abolishing slavery in the United States.

The other documents listed serve different purposes in American history. The Declaration of Independence, for instance, established the colonies' intent to separate from British rule but did not address the issue of slavery directly. The Constitution, while foundational to American governance, originally included provisions that allowed for slavery to exist. The Bill of Rights, on the other hand, consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and primarily focuses on individual rights and liberties, without addressing emancipation or the status of slaves. Understanding the Emancipation Proclamation's context and significance clarifies its role in the legal and social transformations regarding slavery in America.