History of North America

When was slavery done away with?

Slavery still exists today in various forms around the world. However, the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and legal chattel slavery occurred over a period of several centuries:

- In Britain and its colonies, slavery was abolished in the 1800s. The transatlantic slave trade was banned in 1807. Slavery itself was gradually abolished: in Scotland in 1778, and throughout the Empire in 1834.

- The United States abolished slavery in December 1865 with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, following the American Civil War from 1861-1865.

- Brazil became the last Western country to abolish slavery, passing the Lei Áurea (the Golden Law) on May 13, 1888.