The Atlantic Slave Trade: Volume IV Nineteenth Century

The essays in this volume explore the reasons for the end of the slave trade and the institution of slavery, examining the rise of the abolitionist movement, economic consequences, popular attitudes, and the role of the Church.

Format: Hardback
Length: 494 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published as a collection in 2006, the essays in this volume delve into the intricate web of factors that led to the abolition of the slave trade and the institution of slavery itself. They explore the emergence and progression of the abolitionist movement across various countries, highlighting the varying speeds at which it gained traction in different regions. Furthermore, the essays shed light on the profound economic implications of abolition, the shifting public attitudes toward it, and the influential role played by the Church in driving the abolitionist cause. Additionally, the volume includes an introduction by the editor, providing a concise overview of the significant contributions made by each essay.

The abolition of the slave trade and the institution of slavery itself are complex and multifaceted issues that have been the subject of extensive research and debate. In this collection of essays, scholars from various disciplines examine the various factors that contributed to the end of the slave trade and the eventual abolition of slavery.

One of the primary factors that led to the abolition of the slave trade was the growing international opposition to slavery. As the Enlightenment movement gained momentum in the 18th century, people began to question the moral and ethical implications of slavery. Philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that slavery was inherently unjust and that human beings had the right to freedom and equality.

Another factor that contributed to the abolition of the slave trade was the economic impact of slavery. As the Industrial Revolution took off in Europe and North America, there was a growing demand for cheap labor. However, slavery was an expensive and inefficient form of labor, as it required a large investment in capital and resources to maintain a slave plantation. As a result, many slave owners began to transition to other forms of labor, such as indentured servitude or free labor.

The abolitionist movement was also a significant factor in the end of the slave trade. Activists such as William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson, and John Newton worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery and to lobby for its abolition. They organized protests, wrote letters, and published books and pamphlets that exposed the brutality and inhumanity of slavery.

The abolition of slavery itself was a gradual process that took many years. In many countries, enslaved people were gradually emancipated through legislation or through the actions of slave owners themselves. For example, in the United States, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, which declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were to be set free.

However, the abolition of slavery was not without its challenges. Many enslaved people continued to work on plantations after they were emancipated, as they had no other means of support. Additionally, there were resistance movements in some countries, such as Brazil and Cuba, where enslaved people fought for their freedom and the abolition of slavery.

In conclusion, the essays in this collection provide a comprehensive examination of the factors that led to the end of the slave trade and the abolition of slavery itself. They highlight the growing international opposition to slavery, the economic impact of slavery, the abolitionist movement, and the gradual process of emancipation that took place. The essays also shed light on the challenges that were faced during this period, such as resistance movements and the continued exploitation of enslaved people. By examining these factors, we can better understand the complex and multifaceted history of slavery and its impact on society the world today.

Weight: 988g
Dimension: 175 x 252 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032423951