Trade in enslaved African people
Britain and the Caribbean
In the 17th and 18th centuries enslaved people were moved from Africa to the West Indies to work on sugar plantations. This industry and trade made British ports and merchants involved very wealthy.
The Triangular Trade
The trade in enslaved Africans is estimated to have forced 15 million or more people from Africa to provide enslaved labour in the Caribbean and Americas. Over 2 million African people are thoughts to have died on the journey across the Atlantic. However, this trade brought vast wealth to Britain and was allowed to continue for hundreds of years.
The captives' experience and resistance to enslavement
Enslaved people suffered appalling conditions and cruelty. If they survived the voyage from Africa then life on the West Indian plantations was harsh. Some enslaved people resisted by rebelling or trying to escape.
The abolitionist campaigns
In the late 18th century abolitionists led by William Wilberforce campaigned to end the trade in enslaved Africans. There was opposition to their movement from those who wanted the trade to continue.
Video playlist
The influence of religion on the abolitionist movement. Video
How Christian emancipators raised awareness about the realities of slavery.
Demand for slave labour in the New World. Video
The context leading up to the use of Africans as slaves in the New World.
Life on board slave ships and the Zong massacre. Video
A description of conditions on board the slave ships and an outline of the Zong case.
Establishment opposition to the abolitionist movement. Video
How those in power used their influence to delay the abolition of slavery.
The role of Zachary Macaulay in the abolition of slavery. Video
Zachary Macaulay's role in the abolition movement.
Wealth created by British slave traders. Video
How social and economic benefits generated by the slave trade affected Scotland and Europe
The end of slavery. Video
A look at the end of the slave trade.
The role of William Wilberforce in the abolition of slavery. Video
William Wilberforce's efforts to end slavery through Parliament.
Origins of the abolitionist movement. Video
The abolitionist movement and its opposition.
The slave revolt in Haiti. Video
How the slave revolt in Haiti affected the abolition movement.
Former slaves and the abolition movement. Video
A look at the place of ex-slaves in the abolition movement.
Working class and women abolitionists. Video
The place of the working class in Scotland and of women in the abolitionist movement.
The African slave trade. Video
The reasons behind the African slave trade and the impact of European involvement.
Scotland and the slave trade. Video
The growth of Britain鈥檚 major slave ports.
Origins of the Atlantic slave trade. Video
The context and background to Britain's involvement in the slave trade.
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