Anti Slavery Movement in England and U.S.

The term Abolitionism pertains to the political movement of the 18th and 19th century which eventually led to slavery becoming illegal. This actually started all the way back during the Enlightenment in Europe and the United States and the anti slavery movement gained a tremendous following and became an issue that many people felt strongly towards.

Since the beginning of the 17th century enforced servitude had been done away with in Britain, however with the birth of new trading ideas and far off cultural discoveries, by the 18th century slaves were being imported from Africa and East Asia. Howver, in the beginning slaves werent bought or sold, and their legal status was unclear until 1772 ( the case of runaway slave, James Somersett forced a legal decision). Ultimately this was the first case of several that led to Lord Mansfield's (Cheif Justice of Court of the King's Bench) declaration that "Whatever inconveniences, therefore, may follow from a decision, I cannot say this case is allowed or approved by the law of England; and therefore the black must be discharged." Thereby stating that the condition of slavery actually didnt even exist under English law (...i dont know how they didnt come to this conclusion a little earlier...? but I digress...). Mansfield elaborated further by stating that slavery contracted in other areas (the American colonies anyone?) could not be enforced in England.
The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage (catchy, isnt it?) was the first American abolition society, formed in 1775 in Philadelphia primarily composed of Quakers who had strong religious objections to slavery. However, because of the Revolution it ceased operation until 1784 with Benjamin Franklin as its first President. The Abolitionist Movement set in motion actions in every state to abolish slavery, succeeding in passing legislation to eventually emancipate the slaves in every northern state by 1804, however there were still some "permanent apprenctices" for some years after...but eventually slavery became completley banned by January 1st 1808.
Both Britain and the US have complex histories regarding the anti slavery mvmt, so for a more detailed timeline click on the link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abolition_of_slavery_timeline
I also wanted to share that during my researching endeavors I discovered that slavery is still very much a problem in modern society with over 27 million people enslaved world wide today. To learn more about this movement and what each of us can do click on the link below:
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/Default.aspx