Prior to what year could Congress not prohibit slavery?

The year 1808 is significant in the context of slavery in the United States because it marks the limit set by the U.S. Constitution regarding the federal government's ability to intervene in the transatlantic slave trade. When the Constitution was ratified in 1787, it included a compromise that allowed Congress to prohibit the importation of slaves, but not until 1808. This was a concession made to ensure the support of southern states, which relied on slave labor for their economies. As a result, Congress was constitutionally barred from banning the slave trade until 1808, when it finally passed legislation to do so.

Understanding this timeline is crucial, as it highlights the constitutional protections that were in place for the continuation of slavery until that date. After 1808, states could still maintain slavery, but the importation of new slaves from abroad was officially prohibited. This detail reflects the complexities and contradictions in the founding of the United States regarding human rights and the institution of slavery.