Methods Used By Abolitionists

Aim:

• To examine the different arguments used by the abolitionists in their campaign .

Success Criteria• Identify the three types of arguments used by

the abolitionists – religious, humanitarian and economic.

• Use these arguments to produce a piece of writing to support the Abolitionist campaign.

• The Society For The Abolition Of The Slave trade was founded in May 1787.

• They wanted an end to the appalling suffering caused by slavery.

What was the biggest obstacle

which the Abolitionists faced?

• Many of Britain’s towns and cities benefitted directly or indirectly from the slave trade.

• Many MPs also had links to the slave trade – investing in shipping companies, tobacco etc – they were the ones who had the power to change the laws.

• Slave owners in places like the West Indies would demand compensation from the British government if they could no longer use slaves.

• Remember Britain was the country most heavily involved in the slave trade.

The Scale of the Challenge

First Abolish the Trade….

• After much heart searching, the society decided the most realistic approach would be to campaign for an end to the slave trade.

• The best way to improve the lives of the slaves in the West Indies was to cut the supply of fresh slaves, as this would force owners to treat existing slaves better.

• By abolishing the slave trade they would also be ending the horrors of the middle passage and the constant wars in Africa. However the evil of slavery would remain.

• The Society decided that its first step was to concentrate on the reasons why the trade had to be abolished.

• Key figures in the Abolitionists movement – Thomas Clarkson, Olaudah Equiano and John Newton all played their part in gathering and providing the evidence.

Key Arguments Against the Slave Trade

• Economic Arguments…….. Ending the slave trade would not damage trade or cause people to lose jobs.

• Religious Arguments………The Bible clearly taught that slavery was wrong.

• Humanitarian Arguments……….Ending the slave trade would improve people’s lives and end suffering.

Sugar could be produced more cheaply by free workers in

Benegal, British India.

Many British sailors died on the Triangular Trade route. Ending the slave trade would save lives

The Bible taught that people should treat each other with

kindness and love

Britain’s key industries e.g. coal, textiles, railways no longer

depended on the Slave Trade. They were making money in

other ways.

God created mankind as brothers and sisters – all are

equal in the eyes of God.

The number of factories in Britain was growing. These

provided jobs and many had no direct connection to the slave

trade.

The Slave Trade brutalised all those who took part in it –

cruelty and violence played a key role in every aspect of the

Slave Trade

The Slave Trade broke several of the ten commandments in the

Bible

Britain’s trade with India and the Far East was growing – this would replace any loss of trade

with the West Indies.

Economic Arguments

Religious Arguments

Humanitarian Arguments

Now draw a table in your jotter summarising the main arguments used by the Abolitionists.

Smith wrote……….“ work done by slaves though it appears to cost only their maintenance, is in the end the dearest of any. A person who can acquire no property, can have no other interest but to eat as much, and to work as little, as possible. Whatever work he does beyond what is enough to meet his own basic needs, must be squeezed out of him by violence.”

Further evidence came from Adam Smith, a Scot, who had written one of the world’s greatest books on economics “The Wealth of Nations” in whose opinion slavery was expensive, useless and violent

• Consider all the arguments which we have examined today.

• In your opinion, what do you think were the two strongest arguments which the Abolitionists could use to argue their case?

Finally…………

Task – Abolitionist SpeechStarting Your SpeechLadies and Gentlemen, there are many arguments to support the view that it is time for the slave trade to come to an end…………

Use the arguments from your table to continue your speech. Remember to use your own knowledge of the topic as well.

Finishing Your SpeechOverall the evidence clearly shows that …….

• Think about all the arguments which the Abolitionists used in their campaign to end the slave trade.

• In your opinion, what do you think were the two strongest arguments which the Abolitionists used to support their case? Give a reason for each one of your choices.

The Abolitionist Campaign

The Abolition Campaign - Methods

Aim:•To examine the different methods used by the abolitionists in their campaign to end the slave trade.

Success Criteria•You can name five key methods used by the abolitionists.•You can explain how each method helped to put across their key arguments.

Once the society had organised its arguments and evidence, the members needed to publicise its case, and make sure that they reached the people who could make a difference.

Modern Day Methods

• In today’s society there are many pressure groups or charities which try to promote a particular cause.

• They will use a variety of methods to reach as many people as possible, make them aware of the work they do and encourage the public to support their cause.

What methods does this charity use to tell people about the work that they do and encourage the public to support them?

Methods

Source Description of Method

How Did This Help To Promote Their Cause

A

B

C

D

E

Task

• You will be given a pack of primary sources showing the different methods used by the Abolitionists.

• Study each source carefully and then complete your table.

• Identify the method which is being used.• Explain how each one would help to promote

their cause

Sixty Second Challenge:

• In 60 seconds write down at least 10 key words/names connected to today’s lesson.

Meetings

• One of the main speakers was John Newton who had once been a ship’s captain and even a slave himself in Africa.

• He left the slave trade became a customs officer then a minister, writing the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’.

• His sermons became famous and many came to hear him speak against the slave trade.

The Great Anti-Slavery Meeting of 1801 at Exeter Hall, London

Books• Newton wrote several books but the most famous

book to have an impact on abolition was written was by a freed slave Olaudah Equiano.

• His book ‘The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano’ in 1789 is almost the only account written by an African.

Products• Josiah Wedgewood was a wealthy

manufacturer of china goods he used his factory to make a striking range of goods to publicise the Society’s aims.

• He used the seal he designed ‘Am I Not A Man And A Brother’ for the abolitionists on cups, saucers.

Other Methods

• They also wrote pamphlets (leaflets), posters bought space in newspapers, wrote articles, sent deputations (groups of speakers) to schools.

• Organised petitions to the King and to the men who could actually change the law - Members of Parliament (MPs)

In Summary

• Many people attended meetings organised by the abolitionist groups.

• An anti slavery logo was designed ‘Am I not a Man, am I not a Brother?’

• They signed petitions – in 1792 in Edinburgh, 3685 men signed a petition.

• They wore anti slavery badges and women wore jewellery that advertised their support for the abolitionist cause.

In Summary

• They refused to buy products such as sugar and tobacco from the Caribbean or North American colonies where slave labour was used.

• Pamphlets were sold that described the horrors of slavery especially the middle passage and showing the drawing of the Brookes.

• Poetry and songs were written

Methods Used By The Abolitionists

Complete this diagram showing the Methods Used By the Abolitionists – include as many examples as

possible.

The Role of Women In The Abolitionist Campaign

Aim:• To examine the part played by women in the

Abolitionist campaign.

Success Criteria• Give two arguments for and against the view

that women played a key role.• Come to an overall conclusion about the role

played by women.

The Role of Women In The Abolitionist Campaign

• In the 1700s and early 1800s women were second class citizens in British society.

• Their role was to be a model wife and mother.• They had no vote and once married their property

and income became their husbands.• It was difficult to get a divorce and society looked

down on and isolated women who were in this position.

• However women played a part in the Abolitionist Campaign.

Georgiania, Duchess of Devonshire

• A well known figure in society and political campaigner.

• She famously traded kisses to get a distant cousin elected as an MP.

• She was also infamous for her affairs, gambling and her support for the Abolition Campaign.

To What Extent Do Women Help The Abolitionist Campaign?

Evidence That Women Helped

Evidence That Women Had Little Impact

Overall Conclusion

To what extent did women play an important role in the Abolitionist campaign?

Start Your ConclusionWomen did/did not play an important role in the Abolitionist campaign because ……………….(give reasons for your overall answer).