Freedom's First Day - January 1, 1863 (1 Viewer)

[johnnybach]

I agree that January 1, 1863 was an important first step for Freedom in the USA - and the wider World.

I would further propose that July, 26, 1948 was another such important step, as it was the date that President Harry, S Truman signed Executive order 9981 - which at last officially ended segregation in the USA Armed Forces - some 85 years later. In between times, so-called "Buffalo Soldiers" had been recruited into segregated regiments - and two World Wars had taken place.

I well remember being advised of this by an American Top Sergeant - in a Mess in Germany ( of all places), sometime in the late 1960's, when we shared a drink and a chat whilst on a military exercise. Nice guy too, as I recall - I remember him well.

Hope I'm not getting too political. johnnybach

 

[Scott]

Slavery in Brazil lasted until the Emperor was overthrown in 1889. Pedro II actually was against slavery but took a gradual policy. Slaves that joined the army during the Great Paraguayan War were freed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_II_of_Brazil

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguayan_War

 

[Poppo]

I have often wondered how long slavery would have lasted without the Civil War. Amazing to think that a few decades longer and it would have lasted into the 20th century.

I don' t know how long it would have lasted, but probably slaves would have been gradually freed and compensated, and probably a job given to them. And There wouldn' t have been the ghettos in the big nothern cities still on today....

And probably there wouldn' t have been the sudden conquest of the west territories ( the confederacy wanted to sell the lands, not to give them for free)and indians wouldn't have been exterminated.

And maybe there would have been a more human way of life than the adoration of money we see today in the world.

 

[jazzeum]

View attachment 114918

One of the blogs I subscribe to "Jubilo! The Emancipation Century," indicated that the troops guarding the Emancipation Proclamation are re-enactors from B Company, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, US Colored Troops.

 

[Scott]

One of the blogs I subscribe to "Jubilo! The Emancipation Century," indicated that the troops guarding the Emancipation Proclamation are re-enactors from B Company, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, US Colored Troops.

I friend of mine posted this photo. He used to be an officer in the Boston area Company A contingent.