1. The manumission of slaves was an important step towards equality and social justice.
奴隶的解放是迈向平等和社会正义的重要一步。
2. Many slave owners were reluctant to grant manumission to their slaves, fearing the consequences of losing their labor force.
许多奴隶主不愿将奴隶释放，担心失去劳动力带来的后果。