Abolition of Slavery Movement Overview

Apr 25, 2025

Lecture Notes: Abolition of Slavery

Introduction

  • Importance of the abolition of slavery in British history.
  • Commemoration on British coins (two-pound coin).
  • Key to Britain's self-view in world history.

The Abolitionist Movement

  • Origins:

    • A complex beginning with a variety of people and campaigns.
    • Campaign aimed to end the slave trade.
  • Main Factors:

    1. Humanitarian Reasons:

      • Growing belief in the equality of Africans and Europeans.
      • Zong case highlighted the moral issues of treating slaves as cargo.
    2. Religious Influence:

      • Christian belief in equality (Quakers' involvement).
      • Quakers' successful organizational methods transferred from their rights campaigns.
    3. Economic Factors:

      • Slavery seen as less economically important.
      • Inefficiency and better economic focuses emerged.

Methods Used by Abolitionists

  • Visibility Increase:

    • Public awareness campaigns, meetings, and speeches.
    • Notable abolitionist: Thomas Clarkson.
  • Direct Action:

    • Targeting the legal system and slave owner systems.
    • Sugar boycott: Economic impact by refusing sugar produced by slaves.
  • Protest Methods:

    • Petitions: Hundreds of thousands signed against slavery.
    • Books, accounts, images (e.g., Wedgewood's cameo, Brooke Slave Ship diagram).
    • Poetry and Song: Hannah Moore’s poems, Newton’s “Amazing Grace”.

Legislative Action

  • William Wilberforce’s persistent bill introductions between 1789-1807.
  • Slave Trade Act passed in 1807.

Reasons for Delayed Success

  • Employment Dependency:

    • Jobs in shipyards, ports, and factories tied to slavery.
  • Economic Concerns:

    • Cities like Glasgow, Liverpool benefited from the trade.
    • Popularity and economic importance of sugar.
  • Political and Royal Influence:

    • MPs, Royal Navy, and the Plantation economy ties.
    • Bribery and opposition from influential individuals.
    • Rivalry with France: Nationalistic opposition to French anti-slavery stance.

Conclusion

  • Clear reasons for the beginnings and success of the abolitionist movement.
  • Persistent barriers that delayed success.
  • Links to other historical topics (e.g., Civil Rights Movement) and modern protests.
  • Importance of linking past events to current issues for better understanding and memory retention.