Abolitionist movements in Britain
I can explain British campaigns for abolition of slavery and the Haitian Revolution's role in strengthening these movements.
Abolitionist movements in Britain
I can explain British campaigns for abolition of slavery and the Haitian Revolution's role in strengthening these movements.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1772 it was established that slavery went against English law and many people felt uneasy about Britain's role in it.
- People in Britain began to criticise the conditions on slave ships across the 'Middle Passage' to the Americas.
- The case of the Zong Massacre created public outrage in Britain at the conditions in which enslaved people were living.
- Groups and individuals such as Olaudah Equiano and William Wilberforce worked for abolition in Britain and its colonies.
- The Haitian Revolution created fear amongst British plantation owners about similar uprisings across the Caribbean.
Common misconception
Abolition of slavery in Britain and its colonies was a response to a single event.
Abolition of slavery in Britain and its colonies was a response to a number of events and an ever-growing public demand for change.
Keywords
Habeas corpus - English law declaring detention or imprisonment as illegal if you have not committed a crime
Massacre - when many people are killed purposely in a violent manner
Abolition - the outlawing of enslavement by a particular country
Intolerable - being unable to bear an experience any longer
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
British Member of Parliament and abolitionist
leader of the Haitian Revolution
formerly enslaved man who published his autobiography