By Decree of 25 February 1869, slavery was abolished in all of the territories that composed Portugal, all slaves being declared free. The Decree was introduced on the initiative of the Marquis of Sá da Bandeira and this document was the culmination of a legislative process, begun in 1858, aimed at the abolition of slavery among human beings in Portugal. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of this important event, Portugal Post released a set of two stamps that feature the former Portugal slaves.
Slavery in Portugal occurred since before the country's formation. During the pre-independence period, inhabitants of the current Portuguese territory were often enslaved and enslaved others. After independence, Portugal began the process of Atlantic trade, along with French, English, Spanish, Dutch, and later Brazilian and American slave traders, which lasted for more than four centuries, involving a total of between 10 and 14 million enslaved people. Slavery was abolished in Portugal in 1761 by the Marquês de Pombal.
See also other stamps on slavery.
