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February 1 : Freeing of the Slaves

01 Feb 2015

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luanovapessoa 01 Feb 2015

Dear Clever Dodo,

I understand February 1 [1834] is Freeing of the Slaves Day in Mauritius.

How does it feel to be in the avant-garde of Abolitionism, well ahead of the USA and Brazil freeing their slaves and Russia freeing their serfs?

Best Wishes!

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gices 03 Feb 2015

It was 1st Feb 1835 for the abolition of slavery in Mauritius, not 1834.

Although slavery was against the law from that date onwards, many people still had slaves and didn't want to give them up.

And slaves would sometimes commit suicide if they thought they were being chased even when the slave trade was abolished.

So all in all, it was a good move for humanity but the fear the slaves live in took a lot more time to go away.

What's your take on it?