Work Of Individuals For The Abolition Of The Slave Trade Flashcards
How did Thomas Clarkson go about spreading his ideology of abolition?
Worked in educating the public on the wrongdoings of slavery
What was Clarkson able to publish in 1786?
Essay on the slavery and commerce of the human species
Who was this essay able to inspire to take up the movement for abolition?
William Wilberforce, influential as a member of parliament
What other impacts did Clarkson’s essay have
10,000 copies distributed - also able to gain public support through mass reading
How can Clarkson’s essay be seen as the reason Wilberforce actively campaigned for abolition?
In 1784, Wilberforce showed interest in abolition with the creation of a pamphlet on slave experiences with Ramsey - but was scared to lead movement until reading Clarkson’s essay
Between 1777-1794, what else did Clarkson do to build up his campaign against slavery?
Travelled over 50,000 miles to collect evidence of the slave trade and slave artefacts as well as deliver lectures on slavery
What kind of artefacts did Clarkson collect to showcase the skill of slaves?
Colourful pottery
What important drawing was Clarkson able to obtain showcasing poor slave treatment?
A cut-through section plan of a slave ship, showcased the overcrowded conditions
How else, other than speeches and propaganda, was Clarkson able to generate public support for abolition?
Helped to found 1,200 branches of Society for effecting the abolition of the slave trade - became a nation wide constitution
How many sailors did Clarkson visit also gaining knowledge for publications?
20,000 sailors - 1790 visited 319 ships and 3,000 sailors
What important information did sailor Isaac Parker discuss with Clarkson?
Evidence of slaves being thrown overboard
How were these publications proved to be key following 1793?
Napoleonic wars, public meeting were discouraged so lack of speeches, so publications key to spread message
How was William Wilberforce seen as a key individual in pushing for abolition?
His parliamentary role provided influence in parliament for abolition - proposed annual abolition bills after 1791
How can Wilberforce be seen as the key individual in abolition?
It was his bill that became the 1807 abolition act - he was able to convince PM William Greenville
What did Wilberforce first do in 1789, and what were the results of this?
Made his first speech to parliament about the issue of slavery - led to Wilberforce choosing a select committee to investigate the slave trade
By how many votes was Wilberforce’s first bill I’m 1791 defeated?
163 votes to 88
What is an argument against Wilberforce’s importance in the movement for abolition?
A majority of his bills presented in the 1790s were done late in sessions when other topics were more relevant - poor execution leads to doubts over effectiveness
How was Wilberforce’s political role able to gain support for abolition?
Upper class were fearful of supporting radical ideas due to fear of Revolution, but his status was able to allow abolition to gain respectability in Britain
Who was Olaudah Equiano?
An ex-slave who toured around Britain pushing against the morality of the slave trade
How was Equiano able to gain more support for abolition?
His personal experience was able to heighten the sense of moral outrage, and allowed readers to truly understand the inhumane experience of slaves
What did Equiano publish in 1789, furthering his role in abolition?
His autobiography ‘Interesting narrative on the life of Olaudah Equiano’
What did Equiano join in 1787?
Sons of Africa
Who were the sons of Africa?
Mainly ex-slave African abolitionists who joined with British abolitionists (Clarkson) to publicise abolition through touring and parliamentary lobbying
What did the Sons of Africa do in 1788?
Launched a March on parliament to support the Dolben Act
What was Equino’s 2 major influences which helped abolition?
Able to dispel misconceptions about Africans , presented culture and respect ( left estate worth £950 in 1797) + also able to expose the cruel realities of slavery