Britain's War Against the Slave Trade: The Operations of the Royal Navy s West Africa Squadron, 1807 1867

The Royal Navy went to war against the slavers, establishing the West Africa Squadron which captured 1,600 slave ships and freed 150,000 Africans between 1808 and 1860. Naval historian Anthony Sullivan reveals the story behind this little-known campaign.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Long before recorded history, men, women, and children were taken captive by conquering tribes and nations to be used as slaves or traded. The slave trade involved many peoples, including the Greeks, Romans, Vikings, and Arabs, and it was widespread across Africa. When Britain entered the slave trade in 1807, it was unusual because it banned the trade throughout the British Empire. However, other countries continued to engage in the slave trade, and Britain's decision did not stop it. To combat the slave trade, the Royal Navy established the West Africa Squadron, which was based at Freetown in Sierra Leone. This force grew over the nineteenth century, and by 1860, it had captured 1,600 slave ships and freed 150,000 Africans. The slavers used various tactics to evade the Royal Navy enforcers, and over the years, more than 1,500 naval personnel died of disease or were killed in action. Anthony Sullivan, a naval historian, reveals the story behind this little-known campaign by Britain to end the slave trade in his book, "Britain's War Against the Slave Trade." While Britain is often criticized for its involvement in the slave trade, the truth is that the Royal Navy undertook a significant and costly operation to end what was a heinous business.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399000017