Skip to Main Content

Glossary: Post Revolutionary War Emancipation

Glossary terms are listed in the order in which they appear.

Manumitted Freed from enslavement privately and voluntarily by one’s slaveholder.
Freedom suits An enslaved individual formally petitioning or suing in a court for his or her freedom.
Gradual emancipation law Legislation that granted freedom to enslaved people over time given certain criteria, such as age.
Petitioning Officially bringing grievances or requests to a governing body
Ordinance law
Indentured servant Men and women who signed a contract or indenture to work for a certain number of years in return for transportation to the American colonies and food, clothing, and shelter once they arrived. After completion of their contract, they were given freedom.


More from this Category