Abolition in Brazil: 131 years on, still no cause for celebration

In 1888, 131 years ago today, Brazil became the last country in the Americas to outlaw slavery. However, instead of being a day to commemorate, Afro-Brazilian advocacy groups find no reason for celebration. They criticize what was a half-baked abolition process, which, instead of pushing Brazil toward a freer and more equal society, actually institutionalized a deep cleavage among the country’s population that can still be felt today.

What’s more, recent years have seen Brazil backslide in its fight against modern slavery, which remains a persistent problem in the country.

The farce of Brazilian abolition

Slavery in Brazil was a huge business. With its expansive territory, precious metals and huge sugarcane and coffee plantations, Brazil imported some 4.9 million slaves from Africa—more than any other country in the world.

As the global abolition movement gained steam, Brazil’s farmers and landowners—deeply influential in national politics—felt insecure. As a bid to save face with countries around the world, Brazil passed some legislation in the 19th century which was sold as a move towards ending slavery, but had very little practical effect.

Brazil began developing trade relations with Great Britain in 1825. The British...