The Abolitionist Campaign

Question 1

What was the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade’s intention, and what did they do?

Answer 1

Wanted to abolish slave trade completely, but knew they would face strong opposition, so focused on stopping slave transportation.

Question 2

What opposition did the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade face?

Answer 2

Wealthy and powerful slave traders, plantation owners, and MPs that were pro-slavery for economic benefits.

Question 3

How did abolitionists turn the public against slavery?

Answer 3

By educating them about the truth and cruelty involved, as well as other moral and legal flaws.

Question 4

What were The Sons of Africa?

Answer 4

A small group of previously enslaved Africans meeting in London, trying to end slavery.

Question 5

Who was Olaudah Equiano?

Answer 5

Ebo African, enlaved in Barbados, bought his freedom, member of the Sons of Africa.

Question 6

What did Olaudah Equiano do?

Answer 6

Toured the country to promote autobiography. Tens of thousands heard him speak or read about his past experiences.

Question 7

Who was Ottabah Cugoano?

Answer 7

African enslaved in Grenada, taken to London after becoming free.

Question 8

What did Ottabah Cugoano do?

Answer 8

Published a book called “Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Human Species.”

Question 9

What did Cugoano argue?

Answer 9

That not enough was being done to end slavery, it was morally wrong, every white man was responsible in some way, wanted Britain to set an example as the first to abolish slavery entirely.

Question 10

Who was William Wilberforce?

Answer 10

An MP who constantly made speeches and introduced bills that were pro-abolition.

Question 11

What did William Wilberforce do?

Answer 11

Passed a bill that forbid British ships from transporting slaves from Africa to West Indies.

Question 12

What did Thomas Clarkson do?

Answer 12

Travelled around Britain collecting evidence of Atlantic slavery, did speaking tours, collected trade goods from African craftsman to demonstrate Africans were talented, not just slaves.

Question 13

What did Thomas Clarkson carry around in a chest for speaking tours?

Answer 13

Shackles, whips and thumbscrews.

Question 14

Why could only half of the British population not access one method of abolitionist campaigning, and what was it?

Answer 14

Only half of the British population could read, and the method was publishing thousands of books and pamphlets.

Question 15

Who was Josiah Wedgewood?

Answer 15

An influential Quaker and wealthy businessman who supported the abolitionist movement, and was well respected as the Queen’s appointed potter.

Question 16

What did Josiah Wedgewood do?

Answer 16

He asked one of his craftsmen to design a wax stamp for sealing envelopes. This became a symbolic emblem for the abolitionist movement.

Question 17

What was the symbolic emblem for the abolitionist movement?

Answer 17

A picture of a kneeling African in chains with the words, “Am I Not a Man and a Brother,” that appeared on pendants, brooches, pottery and other popular fashion items.

Question 18

Why did the abolitionists need to pass a bill in parliament?

Answer 18

The slave trade made people in Britain a lot of money, so it wouldn’t end unless made illegal. This meant passing a bill in parliament.

Question 19

What challenges were there for passing an abolitionist bill in parliament?

Answer 19

Only rich men could vote in Britain. Most MPs had made their fortune from slavery, so they were unlikely to vote for abolitionist bills.

Question 20

What was another effective form of campaigning and why?

Answer 20

Signing petitions, because 519 petitions with over 390,000 signatures were sent to parliament, which showed the public opinion was turning against slavery.

Question 21

What was lobbying?

Answer 21

Abolitionists persuaded MPs on the evils of Atlantic slavery.

Question 22

How did Olaudah Equiano lead a delegation?

Answer 22

He lobbied parliament on improving conditions by limiting the number of slaves on a ship. He lobbied other MPs and the prime minister on banning slave trade.

Question 23

Why were William Wilberforce’s speeches so important?

Answer 23

Because except on rare occasions, only MPs can give speeches to parliament, and he was the main representative of the abolitionists. He could make witty, persuasive speeches by using the evidence Thomas Clarkson provided.

Question 24

What was the Church of England’s involvement in the slave trade?

Answer 24

Many plantation owners and traders were members of the Church of England. The church itself owned plantations in the West Indies, because they argued slavery was often mentioned in the bible.

Question 25

Who were Quakers?

Answer 25

A religious sub-group that broke away from the Church of England. Also known as “The Society of Friends”. They produced many books and pamphlets on the slave trade.

Question 26

What did the Quakers argue?

Answer 26

That slavery went against Christian teaching, and that all people were equal in the sight of God. They were extremely averse to war, and the Slave Trade encouraged war in Africa.

Question 27

What was an Evangelical?

Answer 27

A strict follower of the teachings from the bible. They opposed slavery because of their religious and moral standards, such as the rule “treat your neighbour as you wish to be treated”.

Question 28

Who was John Newton?

Answer 28

A slave ship captain who became a church minister and influential abolitionist who was an example of an Evangelical Christian.

Question 29

What was John Newton’s book?

Answer 29

“Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade” was a detailed description of the process of enslavement from the point of view of an eyewitness.

Question 30

What was the sugar boycott?

Answer 30

A campaign to stop people buying sugar.