Abolition of the Practice of Slavery

Slavery existed in one form or another on continents including Africa, Asia, America, and the Middle East. The first anti-slavery movement emerged during the latter half of the 18th century in the parliament of Britain. The upper Canadian province was the first to make a move towards abolishing slavery in the year 1793. At that time, it was under the leadership of Lt. Governor J.G. Simcoe. The first law abolishing slavery and the buying and selling of slaves was passed by the British parliament in the year 1807. The British Empire abolished the practice of slavery throughout its existence in the year 1833. Many slaves escaped at this time to settle in Canada. Movement from the United States to Canada was facilitated by an anti-slavery group and network called Underground Railroad.