The effects of the French Revolution
Facsimile of a Republican placard from the French Revolution
The events associated with the French Revolution in 1789 encouraged the belief among many that the abolitionist cause was associated with revolutionary ideas:
- Revolution overthrew the French monarchy, under the slogan of "Liberty, equality, fraternity". It inspired fear of revolution in Britain.
- The abolitionist Thomas Clarkson openly supported the French Revolution.
- Abolitionists used the same tactics as radicals to win public support 鈥 associations, petitions, cheap publications, public lectures, public meetings, pressure on Parliament.
- Some abolitionists were linked to radicals. Some felt they had to be resisted because of fear events in France may be repeated in Britain.
- There was a government clampdown on radical activity. The Treason Act (1795) declared that a meeting of more than 12 people could be illegal and if not disbursed after one hour of warning the people meeting could be sentenced to death. Some pro-abolition activists were convicted and sent to Australia under this Act.