The obstacles to abolition
Although individuals and religious groups spoke out about the horrors of the Atlantic slave trade and plantation life from the mid-1770s, they did not have the political influence to demand abolition until the last decade of the 18th century.
Obstacles to abolition included:
- Slave rebellion in St Domingue
- The effects of the French Revolution
- Importance of the trade to the British economy
- Fears over national security
- The power of vested interests
- Anti-abolition propoganda
- Attitudes of British governments
The British economy prospered from the slave trade. Individuals, businesses and ports all generated finance and tax revenue.
Many believed the abolitionist cause was associated with revolutionary ideas. There was a real fear in Britain that it may go the same way as France. Anti-abolition propaganda conducted a powerful campaign to counter the Abolitionists.