Brazil officially abolished slavery on May 13, 1888.
On this significant date, Princess Isabel of Brazil signed the Lei Áurea (Golden Law), formally ending the institution of slavery throughout the nation. This act made Brazil the last country in the Western Hemisphere to legally abolish slavery.
The Long Road to Freedom: Key Legislative Milestones
The complete abolition of slavery in Brazil was the culmination of decades of increasing pressure, both internal and international. Several key legislative acts paved the way for the Lei Áurea:
| Law Name | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lei Eusébio de Queirós | 1850 | Prohibited the transatlantic slave trade to Brazil, aiming to curtail the influx of new enslaved individuals. |
| Lei do Ventre Livre | 1871 | Known as the Law of Free Birth, this legislation granted freedom to children born to enslaved women after its enactment, though they often remained under their mothers' masters until adulthood. |
| Lei dos Sexagenários | 1885 | (Sexagenarian Law) Offered freedom to enslaved individuals aged 60 or older. However, conditions often made it difficult for them to truly attain and enjoy their freedom. |
| Lei Áurea (Golden Law) | 1888 | Signed by Princess Isabel, this law unequivocally abolished slavery without any compensation to slave owners, marking the final legal end of the institution. |
Enduring Challenges: Modern Slavery in Brazil
While formal slavery was abolished over a century ago, Brazil continues to grapple with forms of forced labor. It is estimated that between 25,000 and 40,000 workers in Brazil are still victims of conditions analogous to slavery. These contemporary forms of exploitation often involve debt bondage, degrading working conditions, exhaustive workdays, and confinement, particularly in rural areas such as agriculture, ranching, and charcoal production. The ongoing fight against these modern forms of exploitation highlights the complex legacy of slavery and the continuous need for vigilance and enforcement of labor rights.
Further Reading
To learn more about the Lei Áurea and its historical context, you can visit:
