Why Did People Free Their Slaves in the Northern States Prior to the Civil War?

One of the most perplexing questions regarding the American Civil War is why people in the Northern states, which fought for the Union, freed their slaves long before the war erupted. Contrary to popular belief, not all Northern states practiced slavery when the conflict began. Delving into the history reveals a complex patchwork of laws and societal changes that led to the gradual emancipation of slaves in several states before the Civil War.

Slavery in the Northern States

Contrary to the popular misconception, slavery was not entirely unknown in the Northern states at the start of the Civil War. Delaware, Kentucky, Missouri, and Maryland were slave states that eventually joined the Union. However, the majority of the Northern states had already abolished slavery by this time.

Between 1770 and 1804, eleven states passed laws that progressively began to abolish slavery. For instance, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey were among the first to take such steps. In some northern states, the law required that slaves be freed upon reaching the age of 21 or 25, depending on the state. Even more innovative were apprenticeship programs designed to allow slaves the potential to earn their freedom through work.

Strategies to Avoid Slavery

Despite these laws, some slave owners would resort to less ethical means to avoid the liberation of their slaves. They would sell the slaves to dealers who would then transport them to southern states where slavery was still legal. This practice was particularly common among owners who wanted to avoid the strict enforcement of emancipation laws.

Slave States in the Union

Delaware, Kentucky, Missouri, and Maryland, while part of the Union, retained the institution of slavery. These states faced unique pressures and challenges, making the process of emancipation more gradual. For instance, Delaware resisted attempts to abolish slavery until 1865, the year of the Thirteenth Amendment. Meanwhile, Missouri had a gradual emancipation law that freed slaves born after 1820.

The Role of the 13th Amendment

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery throughout the nation, was adopted in December 1865, effectively ending the practice in the remaining states. However, the legacy of these early emancipation efforts cannot be overlooked. The actions of Northern states in the decades leading up to the Civil War set important precedents and contributed to the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

These efforts laid the groundwork for more extensive reforms and provided a moral impetus for the broader anti-slavery movement. As such, the actions of Northern states prior to the Civil War played a crucial role in shaping the course of American history and helping to end the institution of slavery.

Keywords: Northern States, Slavery, Civil War, Union, 13th Amendment