Slave Trade - Religion Flashcards
When did the Quakers organise their committee against the slave trade?
1783
What did the Quakers believe?
Belief that God is found in everyone “inner light”
Believed that alleviating suffering was largely ignored by public
Humanitarian advocates
Give an example of a Quaker
Anthony Benezet-
Had influence on Thomas Clarkson, did evening classes for black children
3 Examples of what the Quakers did
1784- distributed 100,000 copies of “The Case of our Fellow Creatures” to MPs
Published articles highlighting evils of slavery
London Yearly Meeting 1783 - 273 signed a petition presented to gov then set up a 23 person committee
What did Evangelical Christians believe in?
Repentance -
Focused on moral outrage, inhumanity.
Influenced by rational thinking of the Enlightenment
What was the Clapham Sect?
Group of Evangelists who campaigned for abolition
Wilberforce was a member
High status networks brought an end
What was Clarksons role as an Evangelist?
Encourage Wilberforce to join
He was himself an Evangelist and a fine speaker
What did Methodism preach?
Non conformist-
Does not conform to establishment
Spread of conformity in urban and industrialised areas meant communities of large numbers were aware
How did Methodists spread ideas?
Through meetings held by religious groups
Their message reached people that would normally be excluded from political activity
Name a Methodist individual
John Wesley -
Attacked the slave trade in 1787, was part of the Committee
What did Baptist’s believe in?
Congregational -
Each member has a role to play, their final authority was the Church
What did Unitarians believe in?
Open minded approach to religion - gives a scope for a wide range of beliefs
Concerned with advancing social justices
Name a Unitarian member
William Smith -
First publicised criticism of slave trade - poem in 1777.
One of his major concerns as MP was to abolish slavery.
Made PM in 1806, in favour of anti slavery bill
