Comparing Timelines
Exploring the overlapping histories of "Renaissance" and "Abolitionism".
Renaissance
1250 - 1650
Abolitionism
1315 - 2022
1250 CE
Beginning of Italian Proto-Renaissance
The Italian Proto-Renaissance begins around 1250-1300, marking the earliest phase of the Renaissance movement. This period saw the emergence of new artistic and intellectual approaches that would later flourish into the full Renaissance. It represents the transition from medieval to early modern European culture.
1265 CE
Dante Alighieri's Literary Contributions
Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) produces his major works, including the Divine Comedy, which exemplify the early Renaissance spirit. His writings represent some of the first traces of Renaissance ideas in Italy, combining classical influences with vernacular language. Dante's work is considered foundational to Renaissance literature and thought.
1267 CE
Giotto's Revolutionary Paintings
Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337) creates groundbreaking paintings that mark a departure from medieval artistic conventions. He is credited with first treating a painting as a window into space, developing early techniques of realistic representation. His work represents a crucial step toward Renaissance artistic realism.
1304 CE
Petrarch's Humanist Influence
Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) develops humanist ideas and literary works that become foundational to Renaissance thought. He is credited by contemporaries with the 14th-century resurgence of learning based on classical sources. Petrarch's work in recovering ancient texts and promoting classical learning helps establish Renaissance humanism.
1315 CE
France Outlaws Slavery in Metropolitan Territory
Louis X, king of France, published a decree proclaiming that 'France signifies freedom' and that any slave setting foot on French soil should be freed. This was the first country to fully outlaw slavery, though it was later used in French colonies. The decree established the principle that French soil was incompatible with slavery.
1330 CE
Petrarch Defines Historical Periods
In the 1330s, Petrarch refers to pre-Christian times as 'antiqua' (ancient) and to the Christian period as 'nova' (new), establishing an early framework for historical periodization. This conceptual division would later influence how Renaissance thinkers viewed their relationship to classical antiquity and the medieval period.
1338 CE
Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Political Frescoes
Ambrogio Lorenzetti paints 'The Allegory of Good and Bad Government' (1338-1340), an early Renaissance fresco cycle with strong messages about virtues of fairness, justice, republicanism and good administration. This work represents the emergence of political philosophy in Renaissance art and the anti-monarchical thinking of Italian city-republics.
1348 CE
Black Death Devastates Europe
The Black Death pandemic hits Europe between 1348 and 1350, causing massive social and economic upheaval. In Florence, the population is nearly halved in 1348. The plague's devastation leads to significant social changes, including increased value of the working class and greater social mobility, which some theorize contributed to Renaissance developments.
1396 CE
Manuel Chrysoloras Teaches Greek in Florence
Byzantine diplomat and scholar Manuel Chrysoloras (c. 1355-1415) is invited by Coluccio Salutati to teach Greek in Florence in 1396. This marks the beginning of the systematic reintegration of Greek literary, historical, and theological texts into Western European curriculum, a crucial development in Renaissance humanism.
1401 CE
Competition for Florence Cathedral Doors
Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi compete for the contract to build the bronze doors for the Baptistery of Florence Cathedral in 1401, with Ghiberti winning. This competition is sometimes cited as a precise starting point for the Renaissance, representing the rivalry and creativity that sparked Renaissance artistic innovation.
1421 CE
Brunelleschi's Old Sacristy
Filippo Brunelleschi completes the Old Sacristy (1421-1440), one of the first buildings to use pilasters as an integrated system in Renaissance architecture. This work demonstrates the Renaissance architectural style that emulated and improved on classical forms, marking a significant development in architectural design.
1430 CE
Palmieri's Plague Dialogues
During the plague of 1430, Matteo Palmieri composes dialogues set in a country house in the Mugello countryside outside Florence. These works explore humanist ideals about civic life, child development, moral conduct, and the qualities of the ideal citizen, representing the development of Renaissance civic humanism.
1440 CE
Invention of the Printing Press
The printing press is invented around 1440, revolutionizing the dissemination of ideas and knowledge. This technological innovation democratizes learning and allows faster propagation of Renaissance ideas across Europe. The printing press becomes crucial to the spread of humanist texts and scientific knowledge.
1442 CE
Leonardo Bruni's Historical Periodization
Leonardo Bruni completes his 'History of the Florentine People' in 1442, becoming the first to use tripartite periodization. He divides history into three periods based on Petrarch's framework but adds a third period, believing Italy was no longer in decline. This establishes a new way of understanding historical periods.
1450 CE
Nicholas of Cusa's Infinite Universe
Writing around 1450, Nicholas of Cusa claims that the universe must be infinite in extent and therefore devoid of a center. This represents an early challenge to traditional Aristotelian and Ptolemaic views of the universe, contributing to the scientific developments that would characterize the Renaissance.
1453 CE
Fall of Constantinople
Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, generating a wave of émigré Greek scholars bringing precious manuscripts in ancient Greek to Western Europe. Many of these texts had fallen into obscurity in the West, and their arrival significantly enriches Renaissance scholarship and contributes to the Greek phase of Renaissance humanism.
1465 CE
Palmieri's Poetic Work
Matteo Palmieri completes his poetic work 'La città di vita' in 1465, which provides perhaps the most succinct expression of his perspective on humanism. This work, along with his earlier 'Della vita civile', helps define Renaissance civic humanism and the ideal of the educated citizen.
1469 CE
First Use of 'Middle Ages' Term
The term 'Middle Ages' first appears in Latin in 1469 as 'media tempestas' (middle times). This represents the Renaissance intellectual framework of viewing history in periods, with humanist historians arguing that contemporary scholarship restored direct links to the classical period, bypassing the medieval period.
1472 CE
András Hess Establishes Printing in Buda
András Hess sets up a printing press in Buda in 1472, bringing printing technology to Hungary. This development helps spread Renaissance ideas and humanist texts in Central Europe, contributing to the Hungarian Renaissance and the broader dissemination of Renaissance culture beyond Italy.
1476 CE
King Matthias Marries Beatrice of Naples
King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary marries Beatrice of Naples in 1476, making Buda one of the most important artistic centers of the Renaissance north of the Alps. This marriage brings Italian Renaissance culture directly to Hungary and establishes strong cultural connections between Hungary and Italy.
1479 CE
Matthias Begins Major Building Projects
King Matthias Corvinus starts major building projects in Buda and Visegrád around 1479, rebuilding the palace at Visegrád in Renaissance style and adding new wings to the royal castle of Buda. He appoints Italian Chimenti Camicia and Dalmatian Giovanni Dalmata to direct these projects, bringing Renaissance architecture to Hungary.
1485 CE
Leonardo da Vinci Visits Hungary
In spring 1485, Leonardo da Vinci travels to Hungary on behalf of Sforza to meet King Matthias Corvinus and is commissioned by him to paint a Madonna. This visit represents the international reach of Renaissance artistic patronage and the cultural connections between Italian artists and European courts.
1486 CE
Pico della Mirandola's Oration
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola writes 'De hominis dignitate' (Oration on the Dignity of Man) in 1486, a series of theses on philosophy, natural thought, faith, and magic. This work, often called the 'Manifesto of the Renaissance,' provides a vibrant defense of thinking and represents a crucial contribution to Renaissance humanism.
1489 CE
Bartolomeo della Fonte Praises Corvinus Library
In 1489, Bartolomeo della Fonte of Florence writes that Lorenzo de' Medici founded his own Greek-Latin library encouraged by the example of Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus. The Bibliotheca Corviniana was Europe's greatest collection of secular books and second only to the Vatican Library in size.
1492 CE
Columbus Discovers the Americas
Christopher Columbus sails across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain in 1492, seeking a direct route to India but accidentally discovering the Americas. This discovery has a profound impact on European intellectual life, challenging classical worldviews and contributing to the Scientific Revolution by disproving central claims about the world.
1495 CE
Italian Renaissance Arrives in France
The Italian Renaissance arrives in France in 1495, imported by King Charles VIII after his invasion of Italy. This marks the beginning of the French Renaissance, as Italian art, artists, and cultural ideas begin to influence French court culture and artistic production.
Luca Pacioli Publishes First Accounting Work
At the end of the 15th century, Luca Pacioli publishes the first work on bookkeeping, making him the founder of accounting. This represents the application of Renaissance innovation to commerce and the development of modern business practices that would support the growing merchant economy.
1505 CE
John I Albert's Renaissance Tomb
The tomb of John I Albert, completed in 1505 by Francesco Fiorentino, becomes the first example of a Renaissance composition in Poland. This marks the beginning of Renaissance artistic influence in Poland and the introduction of Italian Renaissance styles to Central European art and architecture.
1517 CE
Luther's Ninety-Five Theses
In October 1517, Martin Luther publishes the Ninety-Five Theses, challenging papal authority and criticizing perceived corruption, particularly regarding sold indulgences. This leads to the Reformation, a break with the Roman Catholic Church, demonstrating how Renaissance humanism and textual criticism contributed to religious reform movements.
1518 CE
Bona Sforza Marries Sigismund I
Bona Sforza of Milan marries King Sigismund I of Poland in 1518, bringing many Italian artists to Poland. This marriage significantly strengthens the Polish Renaissance by introducing Italian artistic and cultural influences directly to the Polish court and establishing stronger cultural ties between Poland and Italy.
1519 CE
Magellan-Elcano Circumnavigation
Between 1519 and 1522, the Magellan-Elcano expedition achieves the first circumnavigation of Earth in history, including the first crossing of the Pacific by a European expedition. This voyage reveals the vast scale of the Pacific Ocean and dramatically expands European geographical knowledge during the Renaissance period of exploration.
Château de Chambord Construction Begins
Construction begins on Château de Chambord (1519-1547), one of the most famous examples of Renaissance architecture in France. This project represents the French adoption and adaptation of Italian Renaissance architectural styles, demonstrating how Renaissance culture spread and evolved across different European regions.
1527 CE
Sack of Rome Ends Italian Renaissance
Holy Roman Emperor Charles V launches an assault on Rome in 1527 during the War of the League of Cognac, effectively concluding the Italian Renaissance. Despite this political catastrophe, the Renaissance's artistic impact endures in the work of Italian painters like Tintoretto, Sofonisba Anguissola, and Paolo Veronese.
1528 CE
Palmieri's Civic Life Published
Matteo Palmieri's work 'Della vita civile' (On Civic Life) is printed in 1528, advocating civic humanism and refining the Tuscan vernacular to the same level as Latin. This publication represents the maturation of Renaissance civic philosophy and the elevation of vernacular languages in scholarly discourse.
1533 CE
Catherine de' Medici Marries Henry II
Fourteen-year-old Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), born in Florence, marries Henry II of France in 1533. Though later famous for her role in the French Wars of Religion, she makes a direct contribution in bringing arts, sciences, and music (including the origins of ballet) to the French court from her native Florence.
1534 CE
Pope Paul III's Reign Begins
Pope Paul III comes to the papal throne (1534-1549) after the sack of Rome in 1527, with uncertainties prevalent in the Catholic Church following the Reformation. His papacy represents the Church's response to Renaissance and Reformation challenges, including patronage of Renaissance art and the Counter-Reformation.
1542 CE
Spain Enacts New Laws Abolishing Indigenous Slavery
Spain passed the New Laws in 1542, which abolished native slavery for the first time in European colonial history. This legislation was influenced by Bartolomé de las Casas' advocacy for indigenous rights and his book 'A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies'. The laws represented the first systematic attempt to protect indigenous peoples from enslavement.
1543 CE
Copernicus Publishes Heliocentric Theory
Nicolaus Copernicus publishes 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres), positing that the Earth moves around the Sun. This work, dedicated to Pope Paul III, represents a fundamental challenge to traditional cosmology and marks a crucial development in the Scientific Revolution.
Vesalius Publishes Anatomical Work
Andreas Vesalius publishes 'De humani corporis fabrica' (On the Workings of the Human Body), giving new confidence to the role of dissection, observation, and the mechanistic view of anatomy. This work represents the Renaissance emphasis on direct observation and empirical study in medicine and natural science.
1544 CE
Königsberg Academy Founded
The Academy at Königsberg is founded in 1544, representing the expansion of higher education institutions during the Renaissance. This is one of three new academies established in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, along with Vilnius (1579) and Zamość (1594), contributing to the educational reforms of the period.
1546 CE
Farnese Hours Completed
Giulio Clovio completes the Farnese Hours in 1546, arguably the last major illuminated manuscript and a masterpiece that marks the end of the Italian Renaissance of illuminated manuscripts. This work represents the culmination of Renaissance manuscript art before the dominance of printed books.
1550 CE
Vasari's Lives of the Artists
Giorgio Vasari publishes 'Lives of the Artists' in 1550 (revised 1568), first using the term 'rinascita' (rebirth) in its broad sense. Vasari divides the Renaissance into three phases and establishes the framework for understanding Renaissance art history, making this work foundational to Renaissance historiography.
1569 CE
English Court Rules Against Slavery Recognition
An English court considered the case of Cartwright, who had bought a slave from Russia, and ruled that English law could not recognize slavery as it was never established officially. This early legal precedent challenged the legitimacy of slavery under English common law, though it was later overshadowed by subsequent developments.
1577 CE
Drake's Circumnavigation
Between 1577 and 1580, Drake's Raiding Expedition achieves the second circumnavigation of Earth, carried out in a single expedition. Drake becomes the first to complete a circumnavigation as captain while leading the expedition throughout the entire voyage, demonstrating English maritime capabilities during the Renaissance.
1579 CE
Vilnius Academy Founded
The Academy at Vilnius is founded in 1579, becoming one of the major institutions of higher education in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This academy, along with others founded during this period, contributes to the educational and cultural development of the Renaissance in Eastern Europe.
1590 CE
Japan Abolishes Chattel Slavery
Under the actions of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, chattel slavery was abolished across Japan. This made Japan one of the earliest countries to systematically eliminate slavery, though other forms of forced labor continued to be used, particularly during World War II. The abolition represented a significant shift in Japanese social policy.
1594 CE
Zamość Academy Founded
The Academy at Zamość is founded in 1594, completing the trio of new academies established in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the Renaissance. These institutions represent the expansion of higher education and the spread of Renaissance learning in Central and Eastern Europe.
1606 CE
Willem Janszoon Lands in Australia
In 1606, Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon sails from the East Indies in the Dutch East India Company ship Duyfken and lands in Australia. He charts about 300 km of the west coast of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, representing the first known European landing on the Australian continent during the age of Renaissance exploration.
1642 CE
Abel Tasman Circumnavigates Australia
Between 1642 and 1643, Abel Tasman circumnavigates the Australian continent, proving that it was not joined to the imagined south polar continent. This voyage contributes to the Renaissance expansion of geographical knowledge and the mapping of previously unknown territories.
1648 CE
Joan Blaeu's World Map
Dutch cartographer Joan Blaeu creates the large world map 'Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula' in 1648 to commemorate the Peace of Westphalia. This map represents the culmination of Renaissance geographical knowledge, showing that every continent except Antarctica had been visited and mostly mapped by Europeans during the Renaissance period.
1650 CE
Dutch Complete Australian Coastal Mapping
By 1650, Dutch cartographers have mapped most of the coastline of the Australian continent, which they named New Holland, except the east coast. This achievement represents the culmination of Renaissance exploration and mapping efforts, demonstrating the extent of European geographical knowledge by the end of the Renaissance period.
1700 CE
Lord Chief Justice Holt Upholds Anti-Slavery Ruling
Lord Chief Justice John Holt ruled that a slave became free as soon as he arrived in England, upholding the earlier 1569 precedent. This decision reinforced the principle that English common law did not recognize slavery, setting important legal groundwork for future abolitionist arguments in British courts.
1755 CE
First Scottish Freedom Suit Filed
The case of Montgomery v. Sheddan took place in Scotland, representing one of the first freedom suits in the British Isles to challenge the legality of slavery. The slave had been baptized in Scotland and challenged his enslavement, setting important legal precedents for future cases, though the case ended before a court decision due to the plaintiff's death.
1769 CE
Second Scottish Freedom Suit
The case of Spens v. Dalrymple was heard in Scotland, continuing the legal challenges to slavery in Scottish courts. Like the previous case, the enslaved person had been baptized in Scotland and challenged the legality of their bondage. These cases established important legal procedures that would later lead to successful outcomes for plaintiffs in similar situations.
1772 CE
Somerset's Case Establishes Anti-Slavery Precedent
Lord Mansfield delivered his landmark judgment in Somerset's Case, declaring that slavery had no basis in English common law. The case involved James Somerset, a fugitive slave whose master attempted to ship him to Jamaica. Mansfield's decision was widely interpreted as prohibiting slavery in England, though it did not apply to British overseas territories.
1777 CE
Vermont Abolishes Adult Slavery
Vermont became the first state in what would become the United States to abolish adult slavery through its constitution. As an independent republic from 1777 to 1791, Vermont's action preceded its joining the Union and represented the first systematic abolition of slavery in North America by a political entity.
1778 CE
Knight v. Wedderburn Extends Anti-Slavery Law to Scotland
The Court of Session of Scotland ruled in Knight v. Wedderburn that chattel slavery was not recognized under Scottish law. Joseph Knight, an enslaved African brought from Jamaica, successfully argued for his freedom. The court declared that slaves could seek court protection to leave a master or avoid being forcibly removed from Scotland.
1780 CE
Pennsylvania Passes Gradual Emancipation Act
Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to pass legislation for the gradual abolition of slavery. The act provided that no new slaves could be imported and that children born to enslaved mothers would eventually be freed, though existing slaves remained in bondage. This pioneering legislation served as a model for other northern states.
1787 CE
Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade Founded
The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade was formed in London, marking the beginning of organized British abolitionist activism. This society would become instrumental in the parliamentary campaign against the slave trade, with members like William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson leading the movement.
1788 CE
Society of the Friends of the Blacks Established
Jacques Pierre Brissot founded the Society of the Friends of the Blacks (Société des Amis des Noirs) in Paris to work for the abolition of slavery. This organization played a crucial role in building anti-slavery sentiment in France and would influence the revolutionary government's decision to abolish slavery in 1794.
1791 CE
Haitian Revolution Begins
The slave revolt in Saint-Domingue began, marking the start of what would become the Haitian Revolution. Led by formerly enslaved people like Georges Biassou, Toussaint L'Ouverture, and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, this revolution would ultimately lead to Haiti becoming the first nation to achieve independence through a successful slave revolt.
1792 CE
Denmark Decrees End to Transatlantic Slave Trade
Denmark became the first country to issue a decree to abolish their transatlantic slave trade, effective from the start of 1803. While this was a significant step, Denmark would not abolish slavery in the Danish West Indies until 1848. The decree represented the first national commitment to ending participation in the Atlantic slave trade.
France Grants Citizenship to Free People of Color
Following the French Revolution, France granted free people of color full citizenship on April 4, 1792. This significant step toward racial equality preceded the complete abolition of slavery and represented a major advancement in civil rights for people of African descent in French territories.
1793 CE
Upper Canada Passes Act Against Slavery
Upper Canada passed the Act Against Slavery under Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, becoming the first legislation against slavery in the British Empire. The act prohibited the importation of new slaves and provided for the gradual emancipation of existing slaves, with children of enslaved mothers to be freed at age 25.
First Modern Emancipation Proclamation Issued
French Civil Commissioners Léger-Félicité Sonthonax and Étienne Polverel issued the first emancipation proclamation of the modern world (Decree of 16 Pluviôse An II) in Saint-Domingue. This proclamation was a crucial military strategy that brought most black troops into the French fold during the Haitian Revolution.
1794 CE
France Abolishes Slavery in All Territories
The French National Convention, under the leadership of Maximilien Robespierre, abolished slavery in law in France and its colonies on February 4, 1794. This was the first general abolition of slavery by a major European power, though Napoleon would later restore it in 1802. The law provided for compensation to slave owners.
1802 CE
Colonel Delgrès Leads Guadeloupe Rebellion
Colonel Delgrès launched a rebellion in Guadeloupe against Napoleon's representative, General Richepanse, in response to the re-establishment of slavery. The rebellion was ultimately repressed, and slavery was re-established in the colony. This resistance demonstrated the fierce opposition to the restoration of bondage.
Napoleon Re-establishes Slavery in French Colonies
Napoleon Bonaparte promulgated the law of May 20, 1802, re-establishing slavery in French colonies after becoming First Consul. This decision was influenced by pressure from planters, concerns about colonial revenues, and his wife's slaveholder family connections. Military governors and troops were sent to enforce the restoration of slavery.
1804 CE
Haiti Declares Independence and Abolishes Slavery
Haiti formally declared independence from France, becoming the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to permanently eliminate slavery in the modern era following the successful Haitian Revolution. This achievement made Haiti the first and only country to self-liberate from slavery through revolution, establishing a precedent for anti-colonial movements worldwide.
All Northern U.S. States Abolish Slavery
By 1804, all northern states in the United States had passed legislation abolishing slavery, though this did not immediately free all enslaved people. Some had to continue working as indentured servants for up to two more decades, and the process of gradual emancipation varied by state. This created a clear geographical division between free and slave states.
1807 CE
British Parliament Passes Slave Trade Act
The British Parliament passed the Slave Trade Act on March 25, 1807, making the slave trade illegal throughout the British Empire. While this did not immediately free existing slaves, it marked a crucial step toward complete abolition and established Britain as a leader in the international campaign against the slave trade.
1808 CE
United States Outlaws Slave Importation
The United States outlawed the importation of slaves, joining the international movement to end the Atlantic slave trade. However, this law did not affect the domestic slave trade or free existing slaves, and slavery continued to expand westward. The law represented a compromise between anti-slavery and pro-slavery factions.
1811 CE
Chile Declares Freedom of Wombs
Chile declared freedom of wombs, meaning that children born to enslaved mothers would be free. This represented an early step toward gradual emancipation in Latin America during the wars of independence. The policy was part of broader liberal reforms implemented by the new republican government.
1813 CE
United Provinces of River Plate Enacts Freedom of Wombs
The United Provinces of the River Plate (modern-day Argentina) followed Chile's example by declaring freedom of wombs in 1813. This policy ensured that children born to enslaved mothers would be free, representing a significant step toward gradual emancipation in the region during the independence period.
1821 CE
Colombia and Venezuela Declare Freedom of Wombs
Colombia and Venezuela implemented freedom of womb laws, continuing the pattern of gradual emancipation across newly independent Latin American republics. These laws were part of the broader liberal agenda of the independence movements, though complete abolition would take several more decades to achieve.
1823 CE
Chile Completely Abolishes Slavery
Chile became one of the first Latin American countries to completely abolish slavery, moving beyond the gradual emancipation policies of the previous decade. This decisive action reflected the influence of liberal ideology and the practical needs of building a new republican society based on principles of equality.
First Anti-Slavery Society Founded in Britain
The Society for the Mitigation and Gradual Abolition of Slavery Throughout the British Dominions was founded, marking the revival of the abolitionist movement to campaign against the institution of slavery itself, not just the slave trade. Many members had previously campaigned against the slave trade and now focused on complete emancipation.
1825 CE
France Recognizes Haiti and Imposes Indemnity
France finally recognized Haiti's independence but forced the nation to pay substantial reparations for losses during the revolution. This indemnity, which Haiti could ill afford, became a major cause of the country's enduring poverty and was not fully paid off until 1947. The recognition came with a heavy economic price.
1833 CE
Slavery Abolition Act Passed in Britain
The British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act on August 28, 1833, which purchased slaves from their masters and paved the way for the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire by 1838. This landmark legislation represented the culmination of decades of abolitionist campaigning and established Britain as a global leader in emancipation.
1837 CE
Elijah Parish Lovejoy Murdered by Pro-Slavery Mob
Abolitionist newspaper editor Elijah Parish Lovejoy was murdered by a pro-slavery mob in Alton, Illinois, on November 7, 1837. His death was covered in newspapers nationwide and caused a significant rise in membership in abolitionist societies. Lovejoy became a martyr for the anti-slavery cause and galvanized Northern opposition to slavery.
1839 CE
British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society Founded
Joseph Sturge founded the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, which attempted to outlaw slavery worldwide and pressure the government to help enforce the suppression of the slave trade. This organization, which continues today as Anti-Slavery International, became the world's oldest international human rights organization.
1840 CE
World Anti-Slavery Convention Held in London
The British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society organized the World Anti-Slavery Convention at Exeter Hall in London from June 12-23, 1840. This was the first international attempt to address the abolition of slavery, bringing together delegates from around the world. Thomas Clarkson was the key speaker at this historic gathering.
1843 CE
Wallachia and Moldavia Begin Roma Emancipation
The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia began the process of emancipating all 250,000 enslaved Roma people between 1843 and 1855. This progressive pro-European and anti-Ottoman movement worked systematically to abolish the legal slavery of the Roma population, representing a significant human rights achievement in Eastern Europe.
1848 CE
Denmark Abolishes Slavery in West Indies
Denmark finally abolished slavery in the Danish West Indies in 1848, completing the process that began with the 1792 decree to end the slave trade. This action eliminated one of the last remaining European slave systems in the Caribbean and demonstrated the continuing international pressure for complete emancipation.
France Permanently Abolishes Slavery
Under the Second Republic, France permanently abolished slavery in its remaining colonies on April 27, 1848, through a decree-law written by Victor Schœlcher. The state purchased the slaves from the colonists and then freed them, ensuring that this abolition would be permanent and comprehensive across all French territories.
1851 CE
Colombia Abolishes Slavery
Colombia completely abolished slavery in 1851, moving beyond the gradual emancipation policies implemented during the independence period. This decisive action reflected the growing influence of liberal ideology and international pressure for complete emancipation throughout Latin America.
1853 CE
Argentina Abolishes Slavery
Argentina abolished slavery with the signing of the Argentine Constitution of 1853, completing the gradual emancipation process that began during the independence period. This constitutional provision ensured that slavery would be permanently prohibited throughout the Argentine Republic.
1854 CE
Peru Abolishes Slavery
Peru abolished slavery in 1854, joining the growing number of Latin American republics that had eliminated the institution. This action was part of the broader liberal reforms sweeping across the region and reflected the influence of international abolitionist movements on Latin American politics.
Venezuela Abolishes Slavery
José Gregorio Monagas abolished slavery in Venezuela in 1854, completing the emancipation process that began with freedom of womb laws in 1821. This action eliminated one of the last remaining slave systems in northern South America and demonstrated the continuing influence of liberal ideology in the region.
1855 CE
Wallachia and Moldavia Complete Roma Emancipation
The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia completed the emancipation of all 250,000 enslaved Roma people by 1855. This systematic process, which began in 1843, represented one of the most comprehensive ethnic emancipation programs in European history and eliminated a centuries-old system of Roma bondage.
1861 CE
Russia Emancipates the Serfs
Russia emancipated its serfs in 1861, ending centuries of feudal bondage for millions of peasants. This major social reform was implemented by Tsar Alexander II and represented one of the largest emancipation programs in history, though it failed to fully address rural and industrial unrest that would contribute to future revolutions.
1862 CE
District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act
Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862, abolishing slavery in Washington D.C. This act provided compensation to slave owners and represented the first federal legislation to free slaves in the United States, setting a precedent for broader emancipation measures.
Second Confiscation Act Frees Rebel-Owned Slaves
Congress passed the second Confiscation Act on July 17, 1862, stating that escaped or liberated slaves belonging to anyone who participated in or supported the rebellion 'shall be deemed captives of war, and shall be forever free of their servitude.' This act significantly expanded the scope of emancipation during the Civil War.
1863 CE
Lincoln Issues Emancipation Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, changing the legal status of 3 million slaves in the Confederacy from 'slave' to 'free.' Though limited in scope, this executive order transformed the Civil War into a war for freedom and allowed freed slaves to join the Union army.
1864 CE
Maryland Abolishes Slavery
The state of Maryland abolished slavery on October 13, 1864, as part of the broader emancipation process during the American Civil War. Maryland was one of the border states that remained in the Union but maintained slavery until state-level abolition measures were implemented.
1865 CE
Missouri Abolishes Slavery
Missouri abolished slavery on January 11, 1865, eliminating bondage in another border state that had remained in the Union during the Civil War. This action preceded the ratification of the 13th Amendment and demonstrated the momentum toward complete emancipation throughout the United States.
West Virginia Fully Abolishes Slavery
West Virginia, which had been admitted to the Union in 1863 as a slave state with the condition of gradual emancipation, fully abolished slavery on February 3, 1865. This action completed the emancipation process in the state and eliminated slavery in another border region.
Juneteenth - Union Army Liberates Texas Slaves
On June 19, 1865, known as 'Juneteenth,' the Union Army gained control of Texas and liberated the last enslaved people in the Confederacy. This date became a symbol of emancipation and is now celebrated as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
13th Amendment Ratified
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took effect in December 1865, finally ending slavery for non-criminals throughout the United States. The amendment also abolished slavery among Indian tribes and represented the constitutional culmination of the American abolitionist movement, though it included an exception for punishment of crime.
1873 CE
Puerto Rico Abolishes Slavery
Puerto Rico abolished slavery in 1873, eliminating bondage in one of the last Spanish Caribbean colonies to maintain the institution. This action was part of Spain's gradual retreat from slavery in its remaining colonial territories and reflected growing international pressure for complete emancipation.
1886 CE
Cuba Abolishes Slavery
Cuba abolished slavery in 1886, eliminating bondage in one of the last major slave societies in the Americas. The abolition came after years of gradual emancipation policies and represented the end of Spanish colonial slavery in the Caribbean, leaving only Brazil as the final holdout in the Western Hemisphere.
1888 CE
Brazil Abolishes Slavery - Last in the Americas
Brazil abolished slavery in 1888 with the Lei Áurea (Golden Law), becoming the last country in the Americas to outlaw the institution. This action eliminated the largest slave system in the Western Hemisphere and marked the complete end of legal slavery in the Americas, concluding nearly four centuries of Atlantic slavery.
1890 CE
Brussels Conference Act Addresses Global Slavery
The Brussels Anti-Slavery Conference concluded with the Brussels Conference Act of 1890, representing the first major international governmental effort to address slavery on a semi-global level. The conference brought together representatives of colonial powers to coordinate anti-slavery efforts and establish international protocols.
1905 CE
France Abolishes Slavery in West Africa
France abolished slavery in most of French West Africa in 1905, though the abolition was not strictly enforced and some territories continued practicing slavery until later dates. This action was part of France's broader colonial policy but faced practical challenges in implementation across diverse African societies.
1924 CE
League of Nations Establishes Temporary Slavery Commission
The League of Nations founded the Temporary Slavery Commission (TSC) in 1924 to conduct a global investigation of slavery and slave trade worldwide. This commission represented the first systematic international effort to document and address slavery on a global scale, leading to important international treaties.
1926 CE
1926 Slavery Convention Adopted
The 1926 Slavery Convention was adopted based on the investigation of the Temporary Slavery Commission, representing a turning point in banning global slavery. This international treaty established legal frameworks for combating slavery worldwide and created binding obligations for signatory nations to eliminate the institution.
1932 CE
League Forms Committee of Experts on Slavery
The League of Nations formed the Committee of Experts on Slavery (CES) in 1932 to review the results and enforcement of the 1926 Slavery Convention. This committee conducted new international investigations and led to the establishment of the first permanent slavery committee, demonstrating continued international commitment to abolition.
1934 CE
Advisory Committee of Experts on Slavery Established
The Advisory Committee of Experts on Slavery (ACE) was established in 1934 as the first permanent international slavery committee. Between 1934 and 1939, the ACE conducted major international investigations on slavery and slave trade, inspecting all colonial empires and territories under their control.
1948 CE
UN Universal Declaration Bans Slavery
Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948 by the UN General Assembly, explicitly banned slavery worldwide. This declaration established slavery prohibition as a fundamental human right and created the moral and legal foundation for modern anti-slavery efforts.
1950 CE
UN Ad Hoc Committee on Slavery Inaugurated
The Ad Hoc Committee on Slavery of the United Nations was inaugurated in February 1950, continuing the investigation of global slavery conducted by the League of Nations. This committee worked to develop new international instruments to combat slavery and ultimately led to the 1956 Supplementary Convention.
1956 CE
UN Supplementary Convention on Abolition of Slavery
The United Nations 1956 Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery was convened to outlaw and ban slavery worldwide, including child slavery. This comprehensive treaty expanded the definition of slavery and created stronger international mechanisms for enforcement and cooperation in anti-slavery efforts.
1962 CE
Saudi Arabia and Yemen Abolish Slavery
In November 1962, Faisal of Saudi Arabia prohibited the owning of slaves, followed by the abolition of slavery in Yemen in 1962. These actions eliminated some of the last legal slave systems in the world and marked the end of institutional chattel slavery in most of the Arabian Peninsula.
1963 CE
Dubai Abolishes Slavery
Dubai abolished slavery in 1963, continuing the process of eliminating the last legal slave systems in the Arabian Peninsula. This action was part of the broader modernization efforts in the Gulf region and international pressure to end all forms of legal bondage.
1966 CE
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
The UN General Assembly adopted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in December 1966, with Article 4 banning slavery. The treaty came into force in March 1976 after ratification by 35 nations and created binding legal obligations for states to prohibit slavery and ensure civil rights.
1970 CE
Oman Abolishes Slavery
Oman abolished slavery in 1970, becoming one of the last countries in the world to legally end the institution. This action eliminated one of the final remaining legal slave systems and marked the near-complete global abolition of institutional chattel slavery, with only a few countries remaining.
1981 CE
Mauritania Officially Abolishes Slavery
Mauritania became the latest country to officially abolish slavery with a presidential decree in 1981, making it the last country in the world to legally prohibit the institution. However, slavery continues to persist illegally in Mauritania, with estimates suggesting that up to 20% of the population remains enslaved.
2000 CE
United States Passes Trafficking Victims Protection Act
The United States passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000 'to combat trafficking in persons, especially into the sex trade, slavery, and involuntary servitude.' The TVPA created new law enforcement tools and made human trafficking a federal crime with severe penalties.
2001 CE
France Recognizes Slavery as Crime Against Humanity
The Taubira law, passed on May 10, 2001, officially acknowledged slavery and the Atlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity in France. May 10 was chosen as the day dedicated to recognition of the crime of slavery, establishing an annual commemoration and formal acknowledgment of historical injustices.
2004 CE
UN Declares International Year Against Slavery
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2004 the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition, marking the bicentenary of Haiti's independence. This proclamation led to numerous exhibitions, events, and research programs worldwide to commemorate abolitionist movements.
2014 CE
Religious Leaders Unite Against Modern Slavery
For the first time in history, major Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox Christian leaders, as well as Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist leaders, met in 2014 to sign a shared commitment against modern-day slavery. Their declaration called for the elimination of slavery and human trafficking by 2020.
2018 CE
Colorado Removes Prison Labor Exception
In 2018, Colorado became the first state to remove language in its state constitution allowing slavery 'as punishment for crime' through a legislatively referred ballot referendum. This action began a movement to eliminate the 13th Amendment's exception for prison labor from state constitutions across the United States.
