Peonage Act of 1867 facts for kids
The Peonage Abolition Act of 1867 was a law passed by the U.S. Congress. It became law on March 2, 1867. This Act made a system called peonage illegal. Peonage was happening in the New Mexico Territory and other parts of the United States.
The law was created to help enforce the Thirteenth Amendment. The Thirteenth Amendment had already ended slavery. The Peonage Act said that forcing anyone to work under the peonage system was against the law. It was forbidden forever.
The Act explained peonage as "voluntary or involuntary service or labor of any persons . . . in liquidation of any debt or obligation." This meant people were forced to work to pay off a debt. Breaking this law could lead to fines and time in prison.
What Was Peonage?
Peonage was a type of debt slavery. It was practiced in New Mexico, especially by the Hispano people. They also practiced Indian slavery. These practices were not officially legal, but they happened.
Peons were often poor Hispano or Genízaro workers. They owed money to rich landowners. To pay off their debts, they were forced to work for these landowners. Many people from the northern United States thought this system was wrong.
Why the Act Was Needed
In the 1850s, New Mexico's government supported slavery. They passed laws that limited where free black people could live. They also created a slave code. These laws did not directly mention peonage or Indian slavery. However, wealthy landowners hoped these laws would protect their system too.
After the Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery, federal officials wanted to stop peonage. In June 1865, President Andrew Johnson ordered federal workers to help end this practice.
Later, on January 26, 1867, Senator Henry Wilson from Massachusetts introduced a bill. This bill would become the Peonage Act of 1867. It was supported by Radical Republicans in Congress. It was also backed by Stephen Elkins. The bill passed on March 2, 1867, and was signed into law soon after.
How the Act Helped
The Peonage Abolition Act made it clear that peonage was illegal. It said that any laws or customs in New Mexico or other states that supported peonage were invalid.
The Act also stated that anyone who forced someone into peonage would face serious punishment. This included large fines and prison time. It also made it the duty of military and civil workers in New Mexico to help enforce the law. Anyone who tried to stop the law from being enforced would also be punished.
This Act was an important step. It helped to ensure that all people in the United States were truly free. It made sure no one could be forced to work to pay off a debt.
