Overview
Discussion 4: To What Degree Did African Americans Emancipate Themselves?
Purpose:
This discussion explores an important historical debate: Was Abraham Lincoln truly the “Great Emancipator,” or did African Americans play a more direct and decisive role in securing their own freedom during the Civil War? You’ll use evidence from the assigned sources to develop your argument and engage with your peers’ interpretations.
What You Need to Do:
You are required to complete two posts for this discussion:
• Original Post (Due by the second day of the Unit):
Answer the discussion question below using evidence from the assigned sources.
• Follow-Up Post (Due by the Last Day of the Unit):
Respond to a classmate’s original post. You may expand on their ideas, provide additional evidence from the readings or film, or offer a respectful counterpoint based on the sources.
Discussion Prompt:
For decades, historians have debated whether Abraham Lincoln deserves to be remembered as the “Great Emancipator.” Others argue that enslaved and free African Americans played the most significant role in bringing about emancipation.
Based on the OpenStax textbook, the primary and secondary sources in Unit 15, and the film Glory, how much credit should be given to African Americans for their own emancipation?
In your answer, consider the roles of enslaved people, Black soldiers, abolitionists, and Lincoln himself.
Who truly drove the end of slavery?
Requirements:
• Use Only Assigned Materials:
Your posts must be based entirely on the OpenStax textbook, the primary and secondary sources in Unit 15, and the film Glory. Do not use outside sources or uncited internet materials.
• Use Chicago Style Citations:
All sources must be cited using Chicago Style endnotes. Help with citation is available in the “Help With Assignments” module.
• Demonstrate Engagement:
You are expected to show that you’ve read and understood the assigned materials. Posts that lack references to the readings or video will receive lower grades and may raise concerns about authenticity.
Grading and Support:
• This discussion will be graded using the rubric available in the “About Discussions” section of the Help With Assignments module.
• If you have questions about how to structure your post, cite your sources, or revise your ideas, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you succeed.
A Note on Artificial Intelligence (AI):
This assignment is an opportunity to develop your own historical thinking and writing skills—skills that cannot be replicated by AI tools like ChatGPT.
Submitting work that has been written, edited, or influenced by AI is a violation of our course’s academic integrity policy and undermines your learning. Our goal is to think, question, and write for ourselves—and that requires effort and honesty.
Discussion Rubric:
1. Addresses the Discussion Prompt (10 points)
• 9–10 pts – Fully and thoughtfully responds to all parts of the question; demonstrates strong understanding of historical context and complexity
• 7–8 pts – Addresses the question clearly, but may miss some nuance or depth
• 0–6 pts – Incomplete or vague response; major elements of the prompt are not addressed
2. Use of Primary and Secondary Sources (10 points)
• 9–10 pts – Effectively integrates and interprets primary sources as historical evidence and
• Thoughtfully engages a secondary source (e.g., textbook or assigned article) to support analysis
• 7–8 pts – Uses at least one primary source with some analysis
• Mentions a secondary source with limited integration
• 0–6 pts – Limited or no use of primary sources; lacks interpretation
• No use of secondary sources or unclear reference
3. Chicago Style Citations (5 points)
• 5 pts – All sources cited correctly using Chicago Style endnotes
• 3–4 pts – Some citation errors or inconsistent formatting
• 0–2 pts – Citations missing or incorrect
5. Writing Quality & Organization (5 points)
• 5 pts – Writing is clear, organized, and free of major grammar/spelling errors
• 3–4 pts – Generally understandable with some grammar or clarity issues
• 0–2 pts – Disorganized or difficult to follow; grammar issues affect readability
6. Follow-Up Post (20 points)
• 9–10 pts – Responds meaningfully to a classmate’s post by building on ideas, offering new insights, or citing additional evidence
• 7–8 pts – Responds to a classmate’s post with a clear connection, but limited depth
• 0–6 pts – Minimal response, off-topic, or no follow-up post submitted
Grading Scale
Points Earned
Letter Grade
Description
45–50 points
A
Excellent work that exceeds expectations
40–44 points
B
Good work with minor areas for improvement
35–39 points
C
Adequate, but needs more development or depth
Below 35 points
Not Passing
Incomplete or signific
http://www.freedmen.umd.edu/boston.htm
https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/the-civil-war/general-benjamin-f-butler-reacts-to-self-emancipating-slaves-1861
https://college.cengage.com/history/us/resources/students/primary/hig.htm
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6369/quotthere-was-never-any-pay-day-for-the-negroesquot-jourdon-anderson-demands-wages