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.