Comparing Timelines
Exploring the overlapping histories of "Abolitionism" and "Spanish Empire".
Abolitionism
1315 - 2022
Spanish Empire
1402 - 1976
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.
1402 CE
Beginning of Canary Islands Conquest
Norman nobleman Jean de Béthencourt began the conquest of the Canary Islands under a feudal agreement with the Crown of Castile during the reign of Henry III. This marked the beginning of Spanish overseas expansion and would serve as a model for later colonial conquests.
1471 CE
Portuguese Discovery of Gold Coast
Portugal discovered the Gold Coast in the Gulf of Guinea, sparking a massive gold rush. This discovery intensified competition between Portugal and Castile for African territories and trade routes, leading to conflicts over lucrative commerce.
1475 CE
War of Castilian Succession Begins
The War of the Castilian Succession provided the Catholic Monarchs with an opportunity to attack Portuguese power and take control of the lucrative Guinea trade. This conflict would reshape Iberian colonial ambitions and territorial divisions.
1479 CE
Marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella
The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile created a personal union that most scholars view as the foundation of the Spanish monarchy. This dynastic alliance unified the economic and military power of Iberia under the House of Trastámara.
Treaty of Alcáçovas
This treaty ended the War of Castilian Succession and established Portuguese dominance over African territories while securing Castilian control of the Canary Islands. It represented a major diplomatic victory for Portugal and forced Spain to seek alternative routes to Asia.
1492 CE
Conquest of Granada Completed
Ferdinand and Isabella defeated the last Muslim king and completed the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula after a ten-year war. This victory earned them the title of Catholic Monarchs from Pope Alexander VI and freed resources for overseas expansion.
Capitulations of Santa Fe
Christopher Columbus obtained his appointment as viceroy and governor of lands he might discover from the Catholic Monarchs. This document established the first administrative organization in the Indies and set the legal framework for Spanish colonization.
Columbus's First Voyage
Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of Spanish colonization and the European Age of Discovery. This voyage fundamentally changed world history by connecting the Old and New Worlds permanently.
1493 CE
Inter Caetera Papal Bull
Pope Alexander VI issued the Inter caetera papal bull, which solidified Spain's claim to the newly discovered lands in the Americas. This papal decree provided religious and legal justification for Spanish colonization efforts.
1494 CE
Treaty of Tordesillas
Spain and Portugal divided the world into two spheres of influence, with Spain receiving exclusive rights to establish colonies in most of the New World. This treaty fundamentally shaped global colonization patterns and territorial claims.
1496 CE
Foundation of Santo Domingo
Bartholomew Columbus founded Santo Domingo, which became the first permanent European city in the Americas. This stone-built city served as the administrative center for Spanish colonial operations and the model for future colonial settlements.
1497 CE
Conquest of Melilla
Spain conquered Melilla in North Africa, marking the beginning of Spanish expansion into Muslim territories outside the Iberian Peninsula. This conquest established Spain's presence in North Africa and demonstrated its military capabilities.
1508 CE
Juan Ponce de León Conquers Puerto Rico
Juan Ponce de León conquered Puerto Rico, expanding Spanish control in the Caribbean. This conquest provided Spain with another strategic base for further expansion and demonstrated the effectiveness of Spanish military tactics in the New World.
1510 CE
Foundation of Santa María la Antigua del Darién
Vasco Núñez de Balboa established the first permanent settlement on the American mainland in present-day Panama. This settlement served as a crucial base for further exploration and the eventual discovery of the Pacific Ocean.
1513 CE
Balboa Discovers the Pacific Ocean
Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the American coast. He claimed the Pacific and all adjoining lands for the Spanish Crown, vastly expanding Spanish territorial claims.
1516 CE
Charles I Becomes King of Spain
Charles I inherited the Spanish throne, beginning Habsburg rule in Spain. As the grandson of the Catholic Monarchs, he brought together the Castilian empire in the Americas with Habsburg possessions in Europe, creating a vast global empire.
1519 CE
Cortés Begins Conquest of Mexico
Hernán Cortés organized an expedition of 550 conquistadors and sailed for Mexico, defying the governor of Hispaniola. This unauthorized expedition would lead to the conquest of the Aztec Empire and establish Spanish dominance in Mesoamerica.
Battle of Potonchán
Cortés's forces defeated a 10,000-strong Chontal Mayan army at Potonchán, demonstrating Spanish military superiority and opening the path to the Aztec Empire. This victory established Spanish dominance over indigenous forces in Mexico.
Spanish Victory over Tlaxcalans
360 Castilians and 2,300 Totonac allies defeated a 20,000-strong Tlaxcalan army, leading to thousands of Tlaxcalans joining the Spanish against the Aztecs. This alliance was crucial for the eventual conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Spanish Enter Tenochtitlan
Cortés's forces entered Emperor Moctezuma II's capital city of Tenochtitlan, marking a crucial moment in the conquest of the Aztec Empire. This peaceful entry would soon turn into violent conflict and siege warfare.
1520 CE
Battle of Cempoala
Cortés defeated Pánfilo de Narváez's force sent to punish him for his unauthorized invasion of Mexico. This victory eliminated Spanish opposition to Cortés's conquest and reinforced his forces with Narváez's surviving troops.
La Noche Triste
The Spanish were driven out of Tenochtitlan during La Noche Triste, suffering heavy losses and losing all their gold and guns. This defeat demonstrated Aztec military capability and forced the Spanish to regroup for a prolonged siege.
Battle of Otumba
The Spanish and their allies, without artillery or arquebusiers, repelled 100,000 Aztecs at Otumba. This remarkable victory allowed the Spanish to escape and regroup, demonstrating their tactical superiority despite being outnumbered.
1521 CE
Fall of Tenochtitlan
After a prolonged siege, Tenochtitlan fell to Spanish forces and Cuauhtémoc was captured. At least 100,000 Aztecs died during the siege, marking the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.
1523 CE
Alvarado Begins Central American Conquest
Pedro de Alvarado commenced the conquest of northern Central America following the fall of the Aztec Empire. This expansion extended Spanish control throughout Mesoamerica and established the foundation for colonial administration in the region.
1532 CE
Pizarro Conquers the Inca Empire
Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire by capturing its leader Atahualpa during a surprise attack in Cajamarca, resulting in the massacre of thousands of Incas. This conquest opened vast territories in South America to Spanish colonization.
1535 CE
Establishment of Viceroyalty of New Spain
The Viceroyalty of New Spain was established to govern Spanish territories in North America and the Caribbean. This administrative reorganization centralized colonial government and established the framework for Spanish rule in the Americas.
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.
Establishment of Viceroyalty of Peru
The Viceroyalty of Peru was established to govern Spanish territories in western South America, including present-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and parts of Chile and Argentina. This created the administrative structure for Spanish rule in South America.
1545 CE
Discovery of Potosí Silver Mines
The rich silver mines of Potosí in Bolivia were discovered, becoming one of the most important sources of wealth for the Spanish Empire. These mines would produce vast quantities of silver that financed Spanish military campaigns and territorial expansion.
1556 CE
Philip II Becomes King of Spain
Philip II inherited the Spanish throne from his father Charles V, ruling over one of the first truly global empires. His reign would see the height of Spanish power and the colonization of the Philippines, making Spain a dominant world power.
1559 CE
Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis
Philip II reaffirmed Spanish control over the Kingdom of Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Duchy of Milan through this treaty. This agreement solidified Spanish dominance in Italy and established it as the core of Spanish power in Europe.
1565 CE
Spanish Colonization of Philippines Begins
Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the Philippines, beginning Spanish colonization of the archipelago. This expansion made Philip II ruler of one of the first true globe-spanning empires, connecting Asia to the Spanish colonial system.
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.
1580 CE
Spanish Annexation of Portugal
Philip II's victory in the War of the Portuguese Succession led to the annexation of Portugal and the creation of the Iberian Union. This effectively integrated Portugal's overseas empire into Spain's domain, creating an unprecedented global empire.
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.
1640 CE
Portugal Regains Independence
Portugal regained its independence from Spain, ending the Iberian Union that had lasted since 1580. This separation reduced Spanish territorial control and marked the beginning of the decline of Spanish global dominance.
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.
Death of Charles II and War of Spanish Succession
Charles II of Spain died without an heir, leading to the War of the Spanish Succession. This conflict would determine the future of the Spanish Empire and result in the establishment of Bourbon rule in Spain.
Philip V Becomes King of Spain
Philip V, a French Bourbon prince and grandson of Louis XIV, became King of Spain after the War of Spanish Succession. This marked the beginning of Bourbon rule in Spain and initiated significant administrative and economic reforms.
1713 CE
Treaties of Utrecht
The Treaties of Utrecht ended the War of Spanish Succession, confirming Philip V as King of Spain while ceding European territories to other powers. The treaty also granted Britain the asiento de negros, allowing British merchants to sell slaves in Spanish America.
1741 CE
Battle of Cartagena de Indias
Spain successfully repulsed a major British attack on the fortress of Cartagena de Indias in present-day Colombia. This victory helped secure Spanish dominance in the Caribbean and demonstrated the effectiveness of Spanish colonial defenses.
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.
1776 CE
Establishment of Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata
Spain created the Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata to better administer its South American territories and counter Portuguese expansion. This administrative reorganization reflected Bourbon efforts to modernize colonial government and improve economic efficiency.
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.
Tupac Amaru Uprising
A major indigenous uprising led by Tupac Amaru II erupted in Peru, challenging Spanish colonial authority. This rebellion demonstrated growing unrest with Bourbon reforms and tighter colonial control, foreshadowing later independence movements.
1781 CE
Siege of Pensacola
Spanish forces led by Bernardo de Gálvez captured Pensacola from the British during the American Revolutionary War. This victory was part of Spain's successful Gulf Coast campaign that helped recapture Florida from British control.
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.
1803 CE
Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States, ending Spanish control over this vast region. This transaction marked the first major territorial loss for Spain in the 19th century and reduced Spanish influence in North America.
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.
Napoleonic Invasion of Spain
Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the Iberian Peninsula and placed his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne, creating a crisis of legitimacy. This event triggered the Peninsular War and sparked independence movements throughout Spanish America.
1810 CE
Argentine Independence Movement Begins
Argentina began its independence movement, marking the start of widespread Spanish American wars of independence. This movement would inspire similar independence struggles throughout Spanish America and lead to the gradual dissolution of the Spanish Empire.
Mexican War of Independence Begins
The Mexican War of Independence began, initiating more than a decade of struggle against Spanish rule. This conflict would eventually lead to Mexican independence in 1821 and the loss of Spain's most valuable North American territory.
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.
1819 CE
Adams-Onís Treaty
Spain ceded its claims in the western United States to America and sold Florida, establishing a boundary between New Spain and the U.S. This treaty marked a significant reduction in Spanish territorial claims in North America.
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.
Mexican Independence
Mexico gained independence from Spain after more than a decade of warfare, ending Spanish rule in its most valuable North American territory. This independence led to the subsequent independence of Central American provinces by 1823.
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.
1824 CE
Battle of Ayacucho
The decisive Battle of Ayacucho effectively ended Spanish rule in South America, with the captured Royalist army consisting mostly of Spanish Americans rather than Spaniards. This victory secured independence for Peru and marked the end of major Spanish military presence in South America.
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.
Spanish Annexation of Santo Domingo
Spain annexed Santo Domingo, which had been independent since 1821. This recolonization effort led to a guerrilla war in 1863 and proved costly for Spain, which spent over 33 million pesos fighting insurgents before withdrawing in 1865.
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.
Spanish Withdrawal from Santo Domingo
Spain withdrew from Santo Domingo after spending over 33 million pesos fighting insurgents, with 10,888 Spanish soldiers killed or wounded and 18,000 dead from all causes. This costly failure demonstrated the difficulty of reestablishing colonial control.
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.
1898 CE
Spanish-American War Begins
The United States declared war on Spain, marking the start of the Spanish-American War. This conflict would result in Spain losing its remaining territories in the Americas and the Pacific, effectively ending the Spanish Empire.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
The Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War, with Spain ceding Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the U.S. and selling the Philippines for $20 million. This treaty marked the effective end of the Spanish Empire as a global power.
1899 CE
German-Spanish Treaty
Spain sold its remaining Pacific Ocean possessions to Germany, retaining only its African territories. This transaction completed Spain's withdrawal from the Pacific and marked the end of its global maritime empire.
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.
1912 CE
Spanish Morocco Established
Morocco was divided between French and Spanish protectorates, with Spain receiving the northern region. This division established Spanish Morocco as one of Spain's last significant colonial territories in the 20th century.
1921 CE
Battle of Annual
Spanish forces suffered a major military defeat against Moroccan insurgents led by Abdelkrim during the Rif War. This disaster was described as occurring during 'the most acute period of Spanish decadence' and led to the use of chemical weapons.
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.
1925 CE
Alhucemas Landing
The Spanish Army and Navy, with French collaboration, conducted the Alhucemas landing, ending the Rif War. This operation is considered the first successful amphibious landing in history supported by seaborne air power and tanks.
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.
Spanish Morocco Independence
When French Morocco became independent, Spain surrendered Spanish Morocco to the new nation but retained control of Sidi Ifni, Tarfaya, and Spanish Sahara. This marked the beginning of the end of Spanish colonial presence in North Africa.
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.
1968 CE
Equatorial Guinea Independence
Under pressure from Equatoguinean nationalists and the United Nations, Spain announced it would grant independence to Equatorial Guinea. This decision marked Spain's withdrawal from its last significant African colony.
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.
1975 CE
Spanish Withdrawal from Western Sahara
The Green March prompted Spanish withdrawal from Spanish Sahara under Moroccan military pressure, ending Spanish control over its last major colonial territory. The future of this former Spanish colony remains disputed to this day.
1976 CE
End of Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire officially ended in 1976 with the completion of decolonization processes. This marked the conclusion of nearly 500 years of Spanish colonial rule and the transformation of Spain into a modern European nation-state.
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.
