The transatlantic slave trade, which involved the forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas, can be considered to have ended at different points depending on the region. Here are a few key dates:
1807: The British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, making it illegal for British subjects to participate in the slave trade. However, the trade continued illegally for some time after this.
1820: The United States Congress passed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves, which made it illegal to import slaves into the United States.
1833: The British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, which abolished slavery throughout the British Empire.
1848: The French Second Republic abolished slavery in all French colonies.
1863: The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were free.
1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery in the United States.
1888: Brazil became the last country to abolish slavery in the Americas.
Despite the official abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery, the practice continued in some form in certain parts of the world, such as in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The descendants of enslaved people continued to face discrimination and racial inequalities.
How did it continue?
Even after the official abolition of the international slave trade, slavery and similar practices persisted in various forms. Here are some ways in which the continuation of slavery occurred:
Illegal Slave Trade: Despite the legal prohibitions, illegal slave trade persisted for some time. Slave traders continued to transport enslaved people across borders and within countries, often operating under the guise of legitimate trade or other forms of deception.
Debt Bondage and Serfdom: In some cases, former slaves were subjected to debt bondage or serfdom, where they were tied to land or a particular employer through debt or other forms of coercion. This restricted their freedom and could effectively keep them in exploitative labor conditions.
Forced Labor and Child Labor: Following the abolition of slavery, some forms of forced labor and child labor emerged, particularly in agriculture, mining, and domestic work. Vulnerable populations, such as indigenous peoples, migrants, and impoverished communities, were often subjected to these exploitative practices.
Trafficking in Persons: The modern-day crime of human trafficking involves the illegal trade in people for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of exploitation. This global problem bears similarities to historical forms of slavery and affects millions of people around the world.
It is important to recognize that the legacy of slavery and its subsequent forms of exploitation continues to have profound impacts on the lives and well-being of affected communities. Efforts to combat modern-day slavery, promote human rights, and ensure social justice remain essential in addressing these ongoing issues.