Eusébio de Queirós Law abolishes Brazilian slave trade (1850–1852)

The Eusébio de Queirós Law, officially Law No. 581, was promulgated in the Empire of Brazil on 4 September 1850 to abolish the international slave trade. Named after the Minister of Justice, the legislation granted the government broad authority to combat illegal imports. Although slavery itself persisted until 1888, the law successfully suppressed the trade by 1852, resolving a diplomatic crisis with Britain.

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Background and detail

Background. Slavery was extremely prevalent in Brazil, with millions of slaves imported over three centuries. Brazilians, anticipating that the British might succeed in abolishing the slave trade, imported as many slaves as possible, so the vast majority arrived during 1847–1849. This surge preceded the 1850 legislative ban on the trade.

Legislation. Officially known as Law No. 581, the Eusébio de Queirós Law was passed on 4 September 1850. It was named after Eusébio de Queirós Coutinho Matoso da Câmara, who served as the Brazilian Minister of Justice from 1848 to 1852. The law provided the government with broad authority to combat the illegal slave trade.

Impact. The law enabled Brazil to eliminate the importation of slaves. By 1852, the trade was suppressed, and Britain accepted this outcome, ending a diplomatic crisis. However, the law did not abolish slavery itself, which remained in effect until 1888, making Brazil the last Western country to end the practice.

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