The 1807 abolition of the slave trade
I can explain the causes of Britain's abolition of slavery, and how this led to Britain combating enslavement around the world.
The 1807 abolition of the slave trade
I can explain the causes of Britain's abolition of slavery, and how this led to Britain combating enslavement around the world.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Britain had been fighting a war against Napoleon since 1793 - the aftermath of the execution of Louis XVI of France.
- Many Britons believed their fight was for freedom against tyranny; enslavement was seen as tyranny not freedom.
- Other Britons drew comparisons between poor working conditions at home and the plight of enslaved people on plantations.
- The 1807 Slave Trade Act banned the buying, selling and transportation of enslaved humans throughout the British Empire.
- The British Navy then enforced abolition, policing the Atlantic and capturing slave ships, freeing those held on board.
Keywords
Tyranny - the oppression of people, usually under a dictator or tyrant
Abolition - the outlawing of enslavement by a particular country
Amplifying - making a sound louder or strengthening a point of view
Profited - making money from doing something
Inhumane - treating people in a way that goes against the dignity and respect human beings deserve
Common misconception
The 1807 Slave Trade Act freed all enslaved people in the British Empire.
The 1807 Slave Trade Act did not free all enslaved people in the British Empire, but did ban the buying, selling and transportation of enslaved individuals from that point forward.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
British Member of Parliament and abolitionist
leader of the Haitian Revolution
formerly enslaved man who published his autobiography
a slave ship on which a massacre of enslaved people occurred
Exit quiz
6 Questions
France
Great Britain
Spain