End of the Slave Trade Flashcards
What did the 1807 Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade prohibit?
It became illegal for British subjects to buy or sell slaves, and British ships were forbidden to carry slaves.
What were the penalties for breaking the 1807 abolition law?
Ships carrying slaves could be confiscated, and British merchants or ship owners could be fined £100 for each slave found on their ships. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment or transportation.
What powers were given to the Royal Navy by the 1807 Act?
The Royal Navy was given the power to stop and search any ship suspected of carrying slaves.
How did abolitionists support the abolition of the slave trade?
Abolitionists, like Thomas Clarkson, used brilliant propaganda and publicity campaigns, gathering witness testimonies to support their case. They also persuaded people not to buy sugar produced by slave labor and garnered public support through pamphlets and books, including works from former slaves like Olaudah Equiano.
What was the role of William Wilberforce in the abolition of the slave trade?
Wilberforce was persistent in introducing Bills to abolish the slave trade, and after years of campaigning, his Bill became law in 1807.
What economic factors contributed to the abolition of the slave trade?
By 1807, Britain had new markets for trade, and sugar from Brazil and India was cheaper than slave-produced sugar. The loss of Britain’s North American trade in slaves after 1776 and the shift towards trade with India and the Far East also made the slave trade less important.
How did the war against France influence the abolition of the slave trade?
During the war against France, Britain gained more Caribbean islands, and plantation owners did not want competition from new plantations. The abolition also gave the British navy an excuse to stop and confiscate ships from other countries involved in the slave trade.
What military factors influenced the abolition of the slave trade?
Napoleon’s attempts to restore slavery in the French islands led Britain to want to weaken French power in the Caribbean. The abolition of the slave trade also helped reduce the negative impact on British sea power, especially due to the high death rate among sailors.
How did slave resistance affect the movement for abolition?
Successful slave rebellions, such as the one in Saint-Domingue, created fear of further revolts. The belief that conditions needed to improve to prevent more revolts contributed to the push for abolition.
How did the religious revival of the late 18th century impact the abolition movement?
The religious revival, particularly the influence of Quakers and clergymen like John Newton (a former slave ship captain), played a significant role in advocating for the abolition of the slave trade. Many religious groups in Britain were against the trade.
