For instance, a decree by King Manuel I in 1515 restricted the enslavement of indigenous peoples in the colonies, highlighting an early, albeit limited, moral concern. The economic benefits of slavery were deeply embedded in the Portuguese economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture and mining.
When Did Portugal Officially End Slavery The Timeline And Key Legislation
Despite this prohibition, the trade continued illegally, and the law did not apply to the colonies, where the demand for labor remained high. These early laws, often rooted in religious doctrine, focused on regulating the conditions of servitude rather than abolishing the practice outright.
Following the abolition of the trade, the focus shifted to the institution of slavery itself. More importantly for the transatlantic trade, Pombal banned the importation of enslaved Africans into the Portuguese mainland.
When Did Portugal Officially End Slavery The Complete Timeline
This process culminated in the definitive ban on the trade and the institution itself during the late 19th century. Final Emancipation and Lasting Legacies The culmination of this long process arrived on May 13, 1888, with the signing of the Lei Áurea, or Golden Law, by Princess Isabel.
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