Slavery Abolition Act

The Slavery Abolition Act, passed in 1833, was a law by the British Parliament that officially ended slavery throughout the British Empire. It made it illegal to own slaves, freeing those enslaved and prohibiting new slavery practices. The act aimed to promote human rights and moral progress, though some employment systems persisted afterward. It was a significant step toward ending institutionalized slavery globally, reflecting growing awareness and condemnation of this system of exploitation. The law also required compensation to slave owners for their "loss of property," though no compensation was given to enslaved people.