What did the Second Confiscation Act of 1862 achieve?

The Second Confiscation Act of 1862 was a significant piece of legislation during the American Civil War that aimed to undermine the Confederate war effort by targeting the institution of slavery in rebellious states. The correct choice highlights that the act declared all slaves owned by individuals in rebellion against the Union to be free. This legal framework was designed to weaken the Confederacy by depriving it of its labor force, while also positioning the Union as a force for emancipation.

The act built upon earlier measures and reflected a changing stance within the Union regarding the treatment of enslaved people in the context of the war. By declaring these enslaved individuals free, the act also set a precedent for their freedom and encouraged many to escape. It was a pivotal step towards emancipation, which would culminate in the Emancipation Proclamation later that year.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the provisions or impact of the Second Confiscation Act. The act did not emancipate all slaves in Northern states nor did it permanently ban slavery in the Union; those states were not in rebellion and remained under their laws. Additionally, the act did not allow Southern states to retain their slaves, but rather took a decisive step to free enslaved individuals associated with the