The slave trade and its abolition free essay sample

The Slave trade and its abolition Slavery which began in the 17th century and lasted until the 19th century it was all about making money. In the quest to achieve making the most amount of profit, Britain came up with ways to involve other countries in a trade where each country involved benefited somehow. This is when the triangular slave trade evolved. At this point in time, Britain had a very high demand for sugar; everyone wanted this new, sweet tasting food. So Britains high demand for sugar linked in with the triangular slave trade.The trade started off in Britain where goods such as: sugar and rum were dropped off IA a boat. Then the boat would sail to Africa, to collect slaves that would have been captured by African tribes. After they loaded the slaves on to the ship on the lower deck, on a voyage to the West Indies. They were chained, cramped, terrified and wearing if anything, dirty rags. All different kinds of people, of different ages, male or female would be forced onto a ship then forced on an even bigger ship. They had probably never seen a ship before, full of white people (which they had probably never seen before either).If you had an infection or any type of illness you were stored in another room, full of other al people, so that you didnt infect the others. However, sometimes you would be thrown over board. Despite being chained and treated disgustingly, woman had a little more freedom than men. The meals on the ship included: horse beans, boiled yams and rice also, rarely some beef or pork. Perhaps with palm oil, mixed with flour, water and pepper. Their space was extremely limited and very small. The few slaves that rebelled were beaten and/or thrown overboard.The officers and sailors treated women very badly, having intercourse with them. This was called the middle passage On arrival at the West Indies, the slaves where taken from the ship and put to work on the sugar plantations, despite some slaves being sold at auction. Britain gains also from this because the ship will always be full and always have something to profit from. The slaves that were sold at auction had a very uncomfortable experience. Before the auction the slaves would have been put in a pen, and soaked in grease or tar to make them appear healthier.Then they were put on a stand for all to see whilst the bidders prodded them and inspected them, making sure they were adequate enough. The Slaves were hungry, thirsty, and tired from the 2 month voyage. They were terrified and spilt from their families. The African slave also wouldnt have spoken the English language, so couldnt understand what was going on and why there was so much noise. Slaves working on the sugar plantations were spilt into 3 different groups called gangs; the first gang consisted of the healthiest and strongest male and females.Before crop time, to clear, hole and paint the ground. Cut canes, feed the mills and manufacture the sugar. The second consisted of young boys, girls and pregnant women who would be made to weed between the canes. The third, young children, old women, here expected collect green food for the pigs and sheep and also to weed. The white middle class campaign: Granville Sharp was one of the first English campaigners for the abolition of the slave trade. He also involved himself in trying to correct other social injustices. He didnt abolish slavery but did start the campaign.His interest in slavery began in 1 765 after he befriended Jonathan Strong, a slave who had been badly beaten by his master. When Strongs former owner attempted to sell him back into slavery in the Caribbean, Sharp took a case and Strong was freed. Sharp then devoted his time to forcing a legal ruling on the question of whether a slave could be compelled to leave Britain. They issued a new law which reluctantly concluded that slave owners could not legally force slaves to return to the colonies once they were in Britain.This was regarded by many as effectively abolishing slavery within Britain. But believe that you cant pinpoint one reason that abolished slavery. That there were many triggers, rather than one cause and effect. The abolitionist Thomas Clarion had an enormous influence on William Wildflower. He and others were campaigning or an end to the trade in which British ships were carrying black slaves from Africa, in terrible conditions, to the West Indies as goods to be bought and sold. The campaign was supported by many.They raised public awareness of their cause with petitions. In 1807, the slave trade was finally abolished, but this did not free those who were already slaves. It was not until 1 833 that an act was passed giving freedom to all slaves in the British Empire. This working class us port was one of the reasons why Parliament was unwilling to abolish slavery in the British Empire. As one member of the House of Lords said in 793: The idea of abolishing the slave trade is connected with the leveling system and the rights of man. The attack on slavery by working class leaders was directly linked to their campaign for the vote. The economic side of the abolition of slavery troubled the people in power, they were only concerned with the financial side of things. One man said that, we should definitely stop slavery, which you would think was very positive statement, seeing as we all know that slavery is Wrong. But this man argued it was wrong just because Britain wasnt really benefiting from the slave trade any more, and seeing as he whole point of slavery and why it was created in the first place.If you are not making any money, whats the point? Would definitely argue that there was many a reason that led to all classes having at least some impa ct In consideration for the abolishment for slavery. I do think that the slaves had a key impact due to their revolts, but I also think that all parties played a part. This did not free those who were already slaves. It was not until 1833 that an was directly linked to their campaign for the vote.