Which document officially ended slavery throughout the British Empire?

The story of abolishing slavery in the British Empire is a complex one, unfolding over decades. While many acts contributed, the Emancipation Act of 1833 is the one that officially ended slavery throughout most of the British Empire. It didn't happen overnight; the Act initially freed enslaved people under the age of six. It also introduced a system of apprenticeship, where formerly enslaved people were required to work for their former owners for a set period, usually four to six years. This was a controversial compromise, intended to ease the transition for both the enslaved and the enslavers. The Act provided compensation to slave owners for the loss of their "property," highlighting the economic interests intertwined with the institution of slavery. So, while other acts may have dealt with the slave trade or other aspects of slavery, the Emancipation Act is the key piece of legislation that actually abolished it, albeit with a phased approach and some problematic elements.