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  What is the story of the slave trade? Click here for a quick summary, plus quotes from people who were there. Left: Plan of the slave ship Brookes, showing how slaves were transported from Africa in unbelievably cruel conditions. |
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THE CAMPAIGNING YEARS Wilberforce continued the research, and when he brought the bill to the House of Commons a second time in 1791, he had more evidence than ever, but faced as much opposition. The bill to abolish the slave trade was passed – but only after a minister had inserted the word "gradually" into it, making it meaningless. Wilberforce presented the bill again the following year, with an even bigger pile of petitions. But the French revolution was in full flight, Britain was at war with France, and there were slave revolts in the colonies – all of which combined to scare many MPs off abolition. The cause of abolition now seemed hopeless, and one by one many of the other campaigners dropped away; but Wilberforce simply kept campaigning year after year. He brought no fewer than 11 abolition bills before parliament between 1789 and 1805, and all were defeated. Then two things changed. Britain and Ireland merged in 1801 to create the United Kingdom. This brought 100 Irish MPs into parliament, most of whom opposed slavery. Also, the conquest of new Caribbean islands opened up new sugar plantations, bringing sugar prices crashing down and making existing slave owners happier to restrict slave imports. The abolition bill was finally passed on 23 February 1807, by 283 votes to 16. Wilberforce sat in tears as MPs fought to pay tribute to his work and gave him three cheers – something unknown in parliamentary history. Next: Chains and charity – click here! |
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