In what century were slaves set free?

Answer

It is widely misunderstood that in 1863 Lincoln signed into proclamation the freedom of slaves in America. However, the Emancipation Proclamation was only meant to "free" slaves located in the Confederate states, thus having no effect on the status of slaves in Maryland, Kentucky, or Missouri. Lincoln, wanting primarily to preserve the union at any cost, had actually offered to pass a bill forever protecting slavery if the southern states would rejoin the union. Slavery was made illegal in the northeast states in the earlier 1800's, and illegal in all southern states by the time the last states rejoined the union in 1870.

Unfortunately, the existence of slavery has slipped the public eye, and still continues today in America and worldwide. Here in America, well over 50,000 people are sold into slavery every year, but because there is no political gain to be had by any one party, there is no real push to irradicate it.

First answer by ID1246394264. Last edit by Godchaser0407. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 9 [recommend question].