Pennsylvania: An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery

Questions for Further Study

• 1. What reasons does the legislature give for ending slavery in the state?
• 2. What were the procedures that a master had to fulfill in order to keep slaves owned before March 1, 1780?
• 3. Can you think of any ways in which masters might have avoided the law in order to get the most value out of their slaves?
• 4. What other provisions would you have wanted in this law if you were a slave or the child of a slave?