Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction

Definition

This was a proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War. It offered pardon to Confederates who would swear loyalty to the Union, excluding high-ranking officials and those accused of crimes against prisoners of war.

Analogy

Think of this like a teacher offering extra credit to students who have been performing poorly, but only if they promise to improve their behavior and meet certain conditions. The catch is that the offer doesn't apply to those who've cheated or caused serious disruptions in class.

Related terms

Emancipation Proclamation: A declaration made by President Lincoln in 1862 that declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory were free.

Civil War: A war fought from 1861-1865 between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) over issues including slavery and state rights.

Pardon: An official forgiveness for an acknowledged crime, often granted by a head of state or governing body.