Britain Abolishes the Slave Trade Aug 1 Labourer slaves in most of the British Empire are emancipated 'Am I Not a Man and a Brother?' emblem used by some abolitionists determined to end the slave trade in the British Empire Aug 18 American Society of Dental Surgeons founded (NY) Aug 18 French colony established in Akaroa, South Island of New Zealand Aug 28 Nine Jewish prisoners are released from Damascus jails 1839 Historical Events by Year 1841