What was the key feature of President Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction?

The Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in December 1863, aimed to facilitate the reintegration of the Southern states into the Union after the Civil War. The key feature of this proclamation was that it outlined a plan to pardon all Confederates who would take an oath of allegiance to the Union, with the notable exception of high-ranking officials and those who had committed crimes against prisoners of war. This approach was designed to foster reconciliation and hasten the restoration of the Union by encouraging Confederates, particularly ordinary soldiers and civilians, to rejoin the national fold without facing harsh penalties.

Lincoln's intent was to promote healing and rebuilding rather than punitive measures against those who participated in the Confederacy. By allowing most former Confederates the opportunity to regain citizenship through an oath, the proclamation aimed to minimize resentment and encourage cooperation in the post-war reconstruction process. The other choices do not reflect the main focus of Lincoln's policy; for instance, Lincoln's proclamation did not require all Confederates to be tried nor did it mandate any specific voting restrictions or the immediate abolition of slavery in all states, as the latter would not become a nationwide requirement until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865.