History & Social Studies
What was the Gradual Abolition of Slavery Act in New York, 1799?
I am writing a paper
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Asked by
katrina.mooers@wagner.edu
Last updated by
Jill W
I am writing a paper
The Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, passed in 1799, did not free existing slaves. It did, however, declare that children of slaves born after July 4, 1799 were legally free, though these children were forced to serve an extended period of indentured servitude. Thus, true freedom was not truly attained until males (age 28) and females (age 25).