1. Abraham Lincoln: As the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was the driving force behind the Emancipation Proclamation. He believed that slavery was a moral wrong and saw the proclamation as a necessary measure to preserve the Union during the Civil War.
2. Frederick Douglass: A prominent African American abolitionist and orator, Frederick Douglass was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery. He met with President Lincoln on several occasions and played a significant role in shaping public opinion in support of the proclamation.
3. William Lloyd Garrison: A prominent white abolitionist and editor of the influential abolitionist newspaper "The Liberator," William Lloyd Garrison was a fierce opponent of slavery and played a critical role in raising public awareness about the issue.
4. Harriet Beecher Stowe: The author of the influential anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," Harriet Beecher Stowe's work helped galvanize public sentiment against slavery and is credited with influencing President Lincoln's decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
5. Thaddeus Stevens: A prominent Republican politician and abolitionist, Thaddeus Stevens was a strong advocate for the Emancipation Proclamation and used his influence in Congress to ensure that it became a reality.
6. Ulysses S. Grant: A distinguished Union general during the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant enforced the provisions of the Emancipation Proclamation in areas under his control and took steps to ensure that it was effectively implemented.
7. Robert E. Lee: The commander of the Confederate Army, Robert E. Lee was opposed to the Emancipation Proclamation and issued a general order instructing his troops to return any escaped slaves to their owners.
8. Jefferson Davis: As the President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis condemned the Emancipation Proclamation as an unconstitutional act and refused to acknowledge its legitimacy.
The Emancipation Proclamation was a turning point in American history, and the individuals involved in its issuance and implementation played pivotal roles in shaping its impact and legacy.