Turning Points · 1888 CE
The Golden Law Ends Slavery in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What happened
On 13 May 1888, Princess Isabel signed Imperial Law number 3,353, known as the Golden Law. After passing both houses of Brazil's General Assembly, it ended slavery in Brazil from that day. About 700,000 people who were still enslaved became free.
Why it matters
Enslaved people and their descendants had been forced to do much of the work in Brazil for more than 300 years. Brazil was the last country in the Americas to end slavery.
What came next
Freed people were given no land or other help, and many struggled to build new lives. In 1889 the monarchy fell and Brazil became a republic.
Did you know?
The Golden Law has just 18 words in Portuguese.
Timeline
- 28 September 1871The Free Womb Law declares that children born to enslaved mothers are free.
- 13 May 1888Princess Isabel signs the Golden Law.
- 1889The monarchy falls and Brazil becomes a republic.