Law Abolished Slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873

Today in Latin American history, a law is approved by the Spanish National Assembly in Puerto Rico to abolish slavery in 1873.

The owners were compensated with 35 million pesetas per slave.

The slaves were not emancipated - they had to buy their own freedom, at whatever price was set by their previous owners.

The law required that the former slaves work under a three-year contract either for their former masters, other people interested in their services or for the “state”.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian singer-songwriter Jorge Ben Jor was born in 1942

Today in LatAm history, Mexican-American TV writer and executive Carlton Cuse who is best known for LOST was born in 1959

Today in LatAm history, Dominican baseball player Juan Uribe who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers was born in 1979

Today in LatAm history, Cuban musician Cachao López known as “the inventor of the mambo” died in 2008