Explain the reasons for the abolition of slave trade.
Explain the
reasons for the abolition of slave trade.
Abolition of
slave trade: The first European country to abolish
slave trade was Britain in 1807, also forbid the practice of slavery in all
British colonies in 1833. Reasons for the abolition of slave trade is still
controversial, which led to the rise of two school of thought which were
Eurocentric historian who believed the abolition of slave trade caused by
Humanitarian reasons and Afrocentric historian who believed that abolition of
slave trade was caused by economic reasons.
The economic reasons for the abolition
of slave trade;
Industrial revolution in Europe: during
the 19th century European nations invented new machines which
produced quality and cheaper goods in the industries, slaves become useless
where by activities which were done by many slaves replaced by machines
especially in Britain. Hence European nations abolish slave trade in order to
use slave as labours and source of markets in African continent. Example
British stopped slave trade in order to expand market for her finished goods in
West Africa.
The competition of sugar production between
British and French: at first British sold their sugar for
high price because they monopolized sugar market. Surprisingly in the last
quarter of 18th century the French West Indies increased the sugar
production on large scale, and sell their sugar very cheap. Due to this fact
French took British monopoly on sugar production and sales in America and
Europe. This led to the fall of sugar production in West Indies. Hence slaves
became useless, the British started the abolition of slave trade by expecting
that it will increase French coast of labour and it will force French to raise
the price of sugar and British would retain their monopoly.
The American independence: after
American independence in 1776 British lost its production of tobacco, sugar and
minerals which produced by using slaves. This led to the abolition of slave
trade because American also started to fight against slave trade. Example
America abolished slave trade in 1808.
Constant riots and strikes, this
encouraged abolition of slave trade because slave revolts made slaves dangerous
and very expensive to maintain. Example of revolts includes 1803 French island
the modern Haiti which destructed industries, plantations and kill their
masters. Also revolt occurred in Jamaica in 1831 and Barbados 1816. This
affected capitalist economy and later made Europeans to abolish slave trade.
Slaves become expensive: during
the 19th century Europeans realized that free labours in European
industries were cheap and efficient compared to slave labours. Also slaves were
very expensive in terms of transportation and accommodation. Therefore
abolition of slave trade become unescapable.
On the other hand the following are the
humanitarian reasons for the abolition of slave trade;
The evangelical reason, they
stated that all human being are equal and all human being created by image of
god. Hence slave trade were evil, which were against the will of God. This made
Europeans to send missionaries in Africa in order to stop slave trade and
spread Christianity. Supporters of this reason includes Sharp, Thomas Clarkson,
William Wilberforce etc.
The role played by intellectuals and writers, these
writers helped in the abolition of slave trade where by those writers such as
Rousseau insisted European to abolish slave trade. Also Adam smith argued that
hired labour was cheaper and more productive than slaves and Daniel Defoe
emphasized the concept of brotherhood and liberty of ma. Hence abolition of
slave trade.
The French revolution, the
French revolution of 1789 insisted the slogan of fraternity, liberty and
equality. Therefore this created important factor for the abolition of slave
trade.
Any
relevant conclusion.
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