Title: The History of Slavery - Restavek Freedom
Headings: The History of Slavery
The History of Slavery
The Origins of The Slavery Practice
Slavery Throughout the Ancient World
The Life of a Slave in Ancient Times
The Middle Ages
Medieval Slavery in Europe
Medieval Slavery in Asia
Slavery in the Americas
The Origins of American Slavery
Slave Concentration Throughout the Americas
The Journey from Africa
The Abolitionist Movement
The Roots of the Abolitionists
The American Civil War
The Emancipation Proclamation and Beyond
Modern Day Slavery
What Does Contemporary Slavery Look Like?
Countries with the Highest Concentration
How You Can Help End Slavery in Your Community
Join Us to Help Enslaved Haitian Children
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Content: However, there were still large numbers of slaves already in place in the Americas, and the profitability of the work they provided made them a valuable commodity to their owners. The American Civil War
At the time of the American Civil War, there were more than 4 million slaves working in the United States, 95% of whom were in the Southern states. The major political issue leading up the beginning of the Civil War was the expansion of slavery to the West. Northern abolitionists believed that if they could stop the spread of slavery, they could end the practice altogether. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the presidency, and the Southern states seceded from the Union shortly after, forming the Confederacy. The Confederate States of America were centered around the preservation of slavery, while the Northern Union was focused on preserving the country, as well bringing an end to slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation and Beyond
With the stroke of a pen, President Lincoln changed the war by signing the Emancipation Proclamation, changing the status of all enslaved Americans from bondage to freedom. This meant that although slaves were still working throughout the South, if they could escape to the North, they would be legally free. Many slaves were able to escape to northern states using the Underground Railroad. In 1865, the Union regained control of the Confederate States, and the slaves in those areas were formally freed.