Abolition refers to the movement to end a practice or institution, most commonly associated with the effort to end slavery. In the 19th century, abolitionists worked to persuade society and lawmakers to abolish the institution of slavery, advocating for the rights and freedoms of enslaved individuals. This movement gained momentum in various countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The abolition of slavery was achieved through a combination of activism, legal changes, and social pressure. Key figures in the abolition movement included Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Wilberforce. The culmination of these efforts led to significant legislation, such as the Emancipation Proclamation in the U.S. and the Slavery Abolition Act in the UK, which formally ended slavery in those regions.