Slavery and Abolition

1587: The first slaves arrived in Buenos Aires, now the capital of Argentina, from Brazil.

1580-1640: The slave trade was the main commercial activity for Buenos Aires.

           More than 70% of the value of all imports arriving in Buenos Aires were enslaved Africans,                    of whom came primarily from Brazil from the Portuguese slave trade.

Mid-17th century: The Jesuits and other religious orders gave rise to a notable slave population that               worked and labored on their ranches, university, and churches.

End of 18th century: Slave trade increased sinificantly, and reflected the economic status of Buenos               Aires (in the Atlantic economy).

1810: Buenos Aires declared independence, and the participation of slaves was critical to win in the                 wars of independence.

1813: The Free Womb Act freed all babies born to slave mothers, because of their efforts on the                     battlefield, so gradual abolition was introduced.

1853: The first Constitution of Argentina abolished slavery.

          This did not apply to Buenos Aires; it was not part of the Confederation.

1861: Buenos Aires joined the Confederation, and slavery was completely abolished in Argentina.                                                                                                                                                                         Few Works are focused on the black experience in Argentina.***

Source: http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199766581/obo-9780199766581-0157.xml