Who ended slavery in USA?
The abolition of slavery in the United States was a complex and multifaceted process, involving various individuals, groups, and historical events. While it is difficult to pinpoint a single person or entity as the sole architect of this monumental change, several key figures and movements played crucial roles in the eventual end of slavery in the USA.
The movement to end slavery gained momentum in the early 19th century, with the rise of abolitionist societies and the publication of influential works by writers like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Frederick Douglass. These individuals used their platforms to advocate for the rights of enslaved people and to challenge the institution of slavery.
One of the most significant figures in the fight against slavery was Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Although Lincoln did not end slavery in the country by himself, his leadership and the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, were pivotal in the eventual abolition of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territories were to be set free, effectively transforming the Civil War into a war for freedom.
Another crucial element in the abolition of slavery was the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which was ratified on December 6, 1865. This amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States, ensuring that no person could be held as a slave or involuntary servant.
The role of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom, cannot be overlooked. Many abolitionists and activists risked their lives to help enslaved individuals reach freedom in the North or Canada.
In conclusion, while it is impossible to attribute the end of slavery in the USA to a single individual, it was the collective efforts of abolitionists, activists, and political leaders that brought about this significant change. Abraham Lincoln, the 13th Amendment, and the efforts of countless others all contributed to the ultimate abolition of slavery in the United States.
