The Gradual Abolition Of Slavery In Connecticut

133 Words1 Pages
Throughout 1776 and the following years, petitions began to be presented to the General Assembly, calling for the freedom of slaves in Connecticut. Freedom bills were rejected by the Connecticut Legislature in 1777, 1779, and 1780. Connecticut representatives did, however, in 1774 pass a law to stop the import of slaves. Public opinion at last turned, and the anti-slavery protestors saying into victory. The Gradual Abolition Act, adopted by Connecticut in 1784, was landmark legislation for the issue of slavery. This act did not remove slavery. This Act promised eventual freedom to the future-born children of current slaves, but it did not declare any slaves to be freed. The newly born children would still be considered slaves until they reached