What was the main goal of Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction?

The main goal of Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction was to allow southern states to rejoin the Union under certain conditions. This proclamation, issued in December 1863, aimed to facilitate a quick and lenient reintegration of the Southern states following the Civil War. Lincoln sought to encourage reconciliation and expedite the process of reunification by offering pardons and amnesty to those who swore loyalty to the Union.

Under the conditions outlined in the proclamation, states could be restored to the Union when 10% of voters from the 1860 election pledged their loyalty. This policy reflected Lincoln's broader vision of healing the national wounds caused by the war and creating a stable and lasting peace. The emphasis was on restoring the Union rather than punishing the South, marking a considerable shift from the more punitive measures that some Congress members advocated.