13th Amendment

First Africans arrive in colonies

Apr 1, 1619

The first slaves Africans in Virginia. Many of the first slaves were indentured servents, and some worked their way to freedom by paying off their debts. Others were forced to continue their labors.

First protest of slavery in the colonies

Apr 1, 1688

Francis Daniel Pastorius and 3 other Quakers living in Philadelhia write a petition against slavery to the King of England. This was the first American document that stated equal rights for everyone.

Northwest Ordinance

Jul 13, 1787

This ordinance outlawed slavery in the territory Northwest of the Ohio River

The Liberator is published

Jan 1, 1831

William Lloyd Garrison, from Boston, started publising his newspaper, The Liberator, which helped start the abolition movement. This paper helped bring about the movement across America, and was a key issure for the next several decades.

Republican Party is formed

Jan 1, 1854

The Republican party was formed to stop the spread of slavery to the new Western part of the U.S.

Civil War begins

Apr 12, 1861

The Confederates attack Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Lincoln declared that the Southern states were in rebellion, and that a War had begun

The Emancipation Proclamation

Sep 22, 1862

Abe Lincoln frees all slaves in nonoccupied areas in rebellion of the Union. They were to be freed on Januaurt 1, 1863

Senate passes the 13th Amendment

Apr 8, 1864

The Senate passsed the 13th Amendment by a vote of 38 to 6.

House Passes the 13th Amendment

Jun 21, 1865

The House passed the 13th Amendment by a vote of 119-56.

Ratification is complete

Dec 6, 1865

Georgia was the 27th and final state needed to ratify the 13th Amendment and make the amendment official.