In the late 18th century abolitionists led by William Wilberforce campaigned to end the trade in enslaved Africans. There was opposition to their movement from those who wanted the trade to continue.
From 1788-1792, the pro-slavery West Indies lobby organised a fight back against the abolitionists.
They monitored abolitionist activities in newspapers and magazines and employed writers of their own to respond by circulating pro-slavery letters and articles in the same newspapers.
The effects of the French Revolution
In 1793 Britain became involved in the French Revolutionary Wars. This delayed the abolitionist campaign for several reasons:
French revolutionary ideas of freedom were linked with the arguments of the abolitionists. The British Government made it difficult for the abolitionists to hold meetings.
The slave trade provided training for sailors joining the Royal Navy.
Some argued opposition to the slave trade during a major war was unpatriotic (against your country).
Britain needed ships and sailors to protect itself and the Empire.
Britain needed a lot of money to pay for the war with France. Ending the slave trade would cost the country too much money.
Rebellion of enslaved people
A revolt on the French colony of Saint Domingue frightened the British Government. They thoughts steps towards abolition would encourage more enslaved people to rebel. Led by Toussant L’ouverture the freed people set up an independent nation called Haiti.
