The Slavery Abolition Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1833 that aimed to end slavery throughout the British Empire. It came into effect on August 1, 1834, and freed over 800,000 enslaved people in the Caribbean, South Africa, and Canada. The act marked a significant step towards human rights and equality, reflecting growing public opposition to slavery. Although the act abolished slavery, it did not immediately grant full rights to the formerly enslaved individuals. Instead, it introduced a system of apprenticeship, which required them to work for their former owners for a period of time before gaining complete freedom. This transitional phase was met with criticism and resistance, leading to further reforms in the years that followed.