![](\"https:\/\/johnathanseitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/LOC_LincolnSeward_Proclamation_1865.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation<\/h3>
Signed by President Lincoln and Secretary Seward, the official day given by the President for of implementation of the Proclamation arrives. Its immediate effects are limited to areas of the South already occupied by the Union, though it proclaims all slaves of the South freed. As a result, few slaves are directly freed as a result of Lincoln’s action, though it inspires many to attempt freeing themselves. The driving themes of the Proclamation – liberty and freedom – have a further impact, influencing foreign public perception of the Union war effort over the remainder of the conflict.
(Image courtesy of the Library of Congress)<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Battle of Gettysburg<\/h3>
The first of two pivotal moments for the war in the summer of 1863, the three day battle turned back the northern most advance by a Confederate Army. In stopping the invasion of Pennsylvania by forces under General Robert E. Lee, the Confederacy ability to wage a war outside of its own territory grew increasingly limited.<\/p><\/div><\/div>
July 1-3, 1863<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
July 4, 1863<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
Siege of Vicksburg Ends<\/h3>
Coinciding with the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi ended with the capture of the city. Its position along the Mississippi River made it important to any effort to control the waterway, with Vicksburg the last remaining obstacle to the Union. It’s fall completed an important part of the Anaconda Plan, splitting the Confederacy and preventing them full access to the River.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/johnathanseitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/LOC_Draftriots.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>
New York City Draft Riots<\/h3>
Witnessed by foreign onlookers, such as British Lt. Colonel Arthur Fremantle, the New York City Draft Riots begin in response to changes in Union conscription for the war effort. Intensified anger among the city’s immigrant communities, particularly the Irish, drove mobs and rioting over the course of several days. Social and racial animosity further fed unrest, as the rioters began to target black communities and individuals throughout the city. News of these events led to questions of the North regarding race in society, even as it took steps towards emancipation.
(Image courtesy of the Library of Congress)<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div>July 13-16, 1863<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
August 9, 1863<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
Seizure of the Laird Rams<\/h3>
Union anger over the continued action of the Alabama<\/em> and other British-built Confederate vessels drove American Minister Adams to place further pressure upon Lord Russell and the Admiralty to crack down on further projects. Taking action, The government intervened in the work of the Laird shipyards, where the Alabama<\/em> had been built. Two ironclad ships, part-way through their own construction, were seized, later being repurposed for use in the British Royal Navy.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/johnathanseitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/LOC_Milne1863.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>
Rear Admiral Milne’s Tour<\/h3>
In a goodwill visit aimed to promote friendship between Britain and the U.S., the HMS Nile<\/em>, the flagship of British Rear Admiral Alexander Milne arrives in New York City’s Harbor. Pictured above with his wife Euphemia, Milne’s visit to New York is overshadowed by the presence of Russian warship, that vessel part of Russian efforts to secure its fleet under the guise of improving its own relations with the US. The Admiral’s later stop in Washington D.C. receives greater public attention.
(Image courtesy of the Library of Congress)<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/johnathanseitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/LOC_LastAlabama.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>