Sweden officially and completely abolished slavery in 1847.
While the final eradication of slavery occurred in 1847, the path to abolition involved earlier legislative efforts. The Swedish government had taken steps to address the slave trade almost two decades prior to its full ban on slavery.
Historical Context of Abolition
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1830: Initial Laws Against Slave Traders
The first Swedish laws aimed at combating the slave trade were introduced in 1830. These regulations focused on imposing punishments on individuals involved in the slave trade. However, these early legislative measures did not fully succeed in eradicating the practice, particularly in its profitable colonial territories such as Saint Bartholomew, where colonists continued to benefit significantly from it. -
1847: Total Abolition
Despite the earlier efforts, it was not until 1847 that slavery was definitively and totally abolished across all Swedish territories. This marked the end of the institution of slavery within Sweden's sphere of influence.
This phased approach highlights a period of transition, where initial attempts to curb the slave trade eventually led to its complete prohibition.
