Slave Trade Essay 3 - Obstacles To Abolition

Question 1

Slave rebellion in st domingue

Answer 1

Knowledge
St domingue was a french colony that was completely freed by slaves
Slave owners lost their source of income and were scared of being killed by their former slaves

Analysis
Pro slavery arguments was that their would be anarchy if slaves were free, the money lost and the revenge from former slaves would be too much

A+
Both french and British attempts at taking back the island failed as they were repelled by the ex slave army, abolition became a way at striking at the french

Question 2

French Revolution

Answer 2

Knowledge
France had a revolution and murdered its royal family, the abolitionist cause became linked with it
British people became scared that it would happen in the uk, and since the link existed abolition movement was treated with suspicion

Analysis
To try and stop a revolution parliament passed law to stop gatherings, this ment abolitionists couldnt increase their support

A+
In addition the money from slavery supported britians involvement in the French Revolution, in both previnting it and the following wars

Question 3

Economy

Answer 3

Knowledge
Sugar and tobacco needed in the uk was grown by slaves
As use grew more products were needed thus more slaves

Analysis
Products would be more expensive and that taxes in the uk would need to be raised to avoid lost income

A+
Uk rival countries would fill the gap in and take the money made from the slave trade

Question 4

Anti abolition campaign

Answer 4

Knowledge
Propaganda used by abolitionists was becoming successful in gaining support
In response a counter campaign was launched and pro slavery people argued slaves were treated no worse than white labourers

Analysis
Persuaded the public into being pro slavery

A+
A campaign to boycott slave sugar saw 300k supporters suggesting the pro slavery campaign failed

Question 5

Attitudes of the British government

Answer 5

Knowledge
British government was concerned with the continuation of the slave trade due to its wealth
King george the 3rd supported slavery meaning slavery had the support of the elite

Analysis
Pro slavers lobbied parliament, pro slavery mps used slow down tactics to bring abolitionist bills to a hault

A+
Slave port merchants bought votes to ensure a pro slave majority