Abolition of Slavery

The abolition of slavery refers to the movement and processes that led to the ending of the practice of enslaving people, primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries. This movement gained traction as more individuals and groups recognized the moral, ethical, and humanitarian issues surrounding slavery. Significant legislation, like the U.S. Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, played key roles in formally ending slavery. Abolitionists advocated for freedom and equal rights, significantly influencing laws and societal views, ultimately paving the way for civil rights movements that followed.