Final answer:
Abraham Lincoln's approach to emancipation was gradual, culminating in the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 which declared slaves in rebellion states free. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it was a decisive step toward ending slavery, reinforced by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Process
Abraham Lincoln's approach to emancipation during the Civil War was indeed gradual and strategic, primarily focusing on weakening the Confederacy's resources and simultaneously preserving the Union. The pivotal piece of legislation was the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which declared that slaves in Confederate states still in rebellion as of January 1, 1863, would be considered free. Prior to this, Lincoln had issued the preliminary proclamation, capitalizing on the Union's victory at Antietam. This move affirmed his stance on emancipation as both a military necessity and a means to bolster the Union's political position.
Despite the proclamation, slavery was not immediately abolished in the rebelling states due to the absence of Union forces to enforce the order. Moreover, the proclamation did not apply to slave-holding border states and certain Union-occupied areas, as they were not considered to be in rebellion. Lincoln did encourage gradual emancipation and colonization for freed slaves as a means to sustain pro-Union sentiment, especially among southern states, which was a critical component of his restoration policy.
The student's question, however, includes incorrect options such as the 'Abolition Act', 'Freedom Declaration', and 'Liberty Accord'. The only real piece of legislation mentioned is the Emancipation Proclamation (1863). It's worth noting that the Thirteenth Amendment, ratified on December 6, 1865, after Lincoln's assassination, is the legislation that formally abolished slavery throughout the United States.