They had to have an education.
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Slaves could gain freedom through various means such as purchasing their freedom, being granted freedom by their owners, escaping and seeking refuge in free states or countries, or being emancipated through legal means like abolition laws and decrees. Others gained freedom through military service or through networks like the Underground Railroad.
Slaves could earn their freedom through various means such as purchasing it with savings, being granted manumission by their owner, performing exceptional service, or being part of a legal agreement or contract for their freedom. Some slaves were able to gain freedom through escape and seeking refuge in free territories or by fighting for their freedom in rebellions or wars.
Slaves could gain freedom through manumission (being legally set free by their owner), self-purchase (buying their own freedom), serving in the military, or through acts of legislation such as abolition laws or emancipation proclamations.
Slaves in the border states that had remained loyal to the Union, as well as slaves in areas already controlled by the Union army, were not granted freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, the proclamation did not apply to states that were not in rebellion against the United States.
Whether the person was considered property
Former slave owners or others who were involved in the slave trade would often provide slaves with an opportunity to buy their freedom through the practice of manumission. Slaveholders might allow slaves to purchase their freedom in exchange for money or labor, granting them legal freedom from bondage.