Lei Áurea abolishes slavery in Brazil

Background. Princess Isabel, known as "the Redemptress," served as regent of the Empire of Brazil on three occasions and was a central figure in Brazilian history during the final decades of the monarchy. In early 1888, after the Rio Police mishandled a pro-abolition demonstration, Isabel acted and appointed Conservative João Alfredo Correia de Oliveira in Cotegipe's place. The abolition law subsequently passed both houses of the General Assembly.

Signing of the Law. On 13 May 1888, Princess Isabel signed the Lei Áurea, officially Law No. 3,353. The law enabled the complete cessation of slavery in Brazil. Isabel acted as regent because Emperor Pedro II was in Europe at the time. The signing followed the law's passage through both houses of the General Assembly.

Key Figures. Princess Isabel, the Princess Imperial of Brazil, was a staunch supporter of the abolitionist movement. She signed the law as regent. Rodrigo A. da Silva, serving as Minister of Agriculture, countersigned the document. Both figures received honors from the Vatican, France, and Portugal for their roles in the abolition.