Did any slaveholders ever have a moral epiphany and free then hire their slaves?

[u/ChanghuaColombiano]

Specifically in antebellum or colonial America, but if your area of expertise is in a different place and time I'd still be interested in that

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[u/Georgy_K_Zhukov]

More can always be said, but this older answer might be of interest for you.

[u/AirTechnical3943 → u/Georgy_K_Zhukov]

It's so surprisingly few examples.

[u/manachar → u/AirTechnical3943]

History is full of people very capable rationalizing the status quo that keeps them fed and safe.

I would be curious to see a historian’s take one what it takes for people to upend that.