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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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
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.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Abolitionist movements in Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Abolitionist movements in Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Haitian Revolution: what was its role in the abolition of the slave trade? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson 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