The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 was a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that aimed to end slavery throughout the British Empire. It received royal assent on August 28, 1833, and came into effect on August 1, 1834. The Act freed all enslaved people in the British colonies, although it allowed for a transition period where enslaved individuals were considered "apprentices" for up to six years. The Act was a result of years of campaigning by abolitionists, including notable figures like William Wilberforce and Olaudah Equiano. It marked a crucial step towards human rights and social justice, influencing future movements against slavery and discrimination worldwide.