The Abolition Movement

This section explores the role of the abolition movement in getting slavery abolished in the British Empire. The practice of enslaving human beings has a long and tragic history, spanning across many ancient civilisations. However, the enslavement of millions of Africans, driven by European colonial expansion, particularly in the Americas, marked a significant and devastating chapter in world history. The Transatlantic Slave Trade, which forcibly transported Africans to work in the European colonies, was a major driver of Britain's wealth during the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. The abolition movement, which sought to end this inhumane trade, began to take shape by the end of the 18th century and, through the efforts of various individuals and groups, eventually led to the outlawing of both the trade and the ownership of enslaved people within the British Empire.

The Importance of the Slave Trade to Britain

From the 16th century onwards, the Transatlantic Slave Trade became a cornerstone of the British economy, particularly through what was known as the Triangular Trade. This system involved three main stages:

From Europe to Africa: European traders exchanged manufactured goods such as guns, textiles, and alcohol for enslaved Africans. These individuals were often captured through warfare or kidnapped by African leaders who sold them to European traders.

From Africa to the Americas: The enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic Ocean under horrific conditions known as the Middle Passage. Many did not survive the journey due to disease, malnutrition, or abuse, and it is estimated that 12 million Africans were enslaved and transported across the Atlantic, with around 1.5 million dying during the journey.

From the Americas to Europe: Upon arrival in the Caribbean, South America, or North America, the enslaved Africans were sold to plantation owners who used them to work on crops such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco. These goods were then shipped back to Europe, where they were sold for substantial profits.

The profits made from the sale of enslaved people and the goods produced by their forced labour were enormous. Britain became incredibly wealthy from this trade, which contributed significantly to the growth of industries and the expansion of its empire.

Key People and Methods in the Abolition Movement

By the late 18th century, growing numbers of individuals began to oppose the brutality of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, with many turning their attention to the need for its abolition. A diverse range of campaigners, including religious figures, former slaves, and legal professionals, contributed to the movement.

Key Campaigners

• Olaudah Equiano: A former enslaved African who had gained his freedom and settled in Britain, Equiano became one of the most influential voices in the abolition movement. His autobiography, which detailed the horrors of slavery and the brutal conditions of the Middle Passage, was widely read and helped to raise awareness of the realities of the slave trade in Britain.
• William Wilberforce: An MP for Hull, Wilberforce was a devout Christian and believed that slavery was a moral evil. He dedicated much of his political career to campaigning against slavery. His efforts were instrumental in convincing many influential figures in Britain to support the abolition of the slave trade.
• Granville Sharp: A lawyer and one of the earliest abolitionists in Britain, Sharp worked on behalf of several enslaved Africans who sought their freedom. His legal victories brought public attention to the injustice of slavery and helped to galvanise the abolitionist cause.
• Thomas Clarkson: An important figure in the abolition movement, Clarkson produced a series of pamphlets and reports detailing the horrific conditions aboard slave ships. His efforts were vital in exposing the brutality of the slave trade and rallying public support for its abolition.

Resistance from Enslaved People

The push for abolition was not solely led by campaigners in Britain. Enslaved people themselves also played a crucial role in the resistance to slavery. In 1655, a group of enslaved Africans escaped from a plantation in Jamaica and sought refuge in the mountains, forming a community known as the Maroons. Their defiance became a symbol of resistance to the institution of slavery.

The ideas of equality and freedom that emerged from the French Revolution inspired enslaved people in the French colonies, leading to a slave rebellion in Saint-Domingue (Haiti) in 1791. Led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, the rebels managed to overthrow the plantation owners, killing many of them and destroying crops. Despite attempts by both the French and British to suppress the rebellion, the slaves were victorious. Haiti became the first independent black republic and the first country to abolish slavery in 1804.

The Slave Trade Act of 1807

By the beginning of the 19th century, the abolition movement had gained significant momentum. The efforts of campaigners, the growing resistance from enslaved people, and economic shifts all contributed to changes in British attitudes towards slavery. In 1807, the Slave Trade Act was passed by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, making it illegal to buy or sell enslaved people within the British Empire. However, the Act did not abolish slavery itself, and it remained legal to own enslaved people.

The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833

The full abolition of slavery in Britain was achieved through the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which made the ownership of enslaved people illegal throughout the British Empire. However, this law was not immediate: it stipulated that those who were enslaved would be freed in stages. Enslaved individuals under the age of six were freed immediately, while others were required to work as "apprentices" for a further four years before gaining full freedom. This act was a significant victory for the abolition movement, though it did not come without controversy and criticism, particularly from those who had benefitted from the slave trade.

Similarities Between the Abolition Movement and the Anti-Corn Law League

Though their aims were very different, the Abolition Movement and the Anti-Corn Law League shared several key characteristics:

• Both had charismatic leaders, such as William Wilberforce for the abolition movement and John Bright for the Corn Laws.
• Both were motivated in part by religious beliefs, with abolitionists seeing slavery as a moral wrong and Corn Law campaigners seeing free trade as just.
• Both movements held large public meetings and worked to mobilise the public through campaigns, petitions, and the publication of pamphlets and books.
• Both movements faced fierce opposition from wealthy MPs who had financial interests in the issues at hand – slave owners in the case of the abolition movement, and landowners benefiting from the Corn Laws.

The Abolition Movement and the Anti-Corn Law League both demonstrated the power of organised, peaceful campaigns to bring about significant social and political change in Britain.