Mexico's controversial ex-president Antonio López de Santa Anna, living in exile after the country's defeat in the Mexican-American War (1846-48), wins a new presidential election, increasing the strife between conservative and liberal factions. (By Brian Bockelman)

The Netherlands abolished African slavery in the Dutch West Indies but required freed slaves in its South American colony of Suriname to stay on their plantations for another ten years. (By Brian Bockelman)

Peru prohibited the importation of workers from the Pacific Islands.  These workers had been treated as virtual slaves after the country banned African slavery in 1854. (By Brian Bockelman)

As the new year begins, the South American country of Colombia grants full independence to all remaining slaves. (By Brian Bockelman)