What was the primary objective of the Slave Trade Act 1807?

The primary objective of the Slave Trade Act 1807 was to prohibit the Atlantic slave trade within the British Empire. While it did not immediately free enslaved individuals, it marked a significant step by ending the legal transport of enslaved people by British ships.

When did the Slave Trade Act 1807 come into effect?

The Slave Trade Act 1807 took effect on May 1, 1807. This date was set after the act received Royal Assent on March 25, 1807.

Did the Slave Trade Act 1807 immediately end slavery in the British Empire?

No, the Slave Trade Act 1807 did not automatically emancipate those who were already enslaved. Its focus was specifically on abolishing the *trade* in slaves, not the institution of slavery itself, which was later addressed by the Slavery Abolition Act 1833.

What was the long title of the Slave Trade Act 1807?

The long title of the Slave Trade Act 1807 was "An Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade." This clearly stated its main purpose.

Which legislative body passed the Slave Trade Act 1807?

The Slave Trade Act 1807 was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is an act of the British Parliament.

Who was the leader of the British campaign to abolish the slave trade, and how did he view his role?

William Wilberforce was the leader of the British campaign to abolish the slave trade. He viewed his personal battle against slavery as a divinely ordained crusade, writing in his diary that God had set before him the objects of suppressing the slave trade and reforming manners.

What was the economic significance of the slave trade to Britain in the decade leading up to 1800?

In the decade between 1791 and 1800, the slave trade was a highly profitable business for Britain. British ships made approximately 1,340 voyages, transporting nearly 400,000 slaves, and continued this trade significantly in the years immediately following.

When was the Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade formed, and who were its key supporters?

The Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade was formed in 1787. It was established by a group of Evangelical English Protestants who allied with the Quakers, united by their opposition to slavery.

What role did the Quakers play in the abolitionist movement?

The Quakers played a significant role by being among the key supporters of the abolitionist movement. They had long considered slavery to be immoral and a blight upon humanity, contributing a substantial faction to the abolitionist cause in Parliament.

What was William Wilberforce's personal motivation for campaigning against the slave trade?

William Wilberforce took on the cause of abolition in 1787 after reading evidence amassed by Thomas Clarkson. He famously wrote in his diary that his two great objects were the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners, indicating a deep personal and moral commitment.

What was the outcome of William Wilberforce's initial motion in the House of Commons in 1791 regarding the slave trade?

Wilberforce's initial motion in the House of Commons in 1791 to abolish the slave trade was defeated. It was opposed by 163 Members of Parliament, with only 88 voting in favour.

How did Henry Dundas initially approach the issue of abolishing the slave trade in Parliament?

Henry Dundas, while stating his agreement in principle against the slave trade, argued that immediate abolition would be ineffective. He proposed a "gradual" abolition, suggesting that moderate measures were necessary to prevent other countries from simply continuing the trade abandoned by Britain.

What was the result of Henry Dundas's amendment to Wilberforce's motion in 1792?

In 1792, Henry Dundas's amendment to add the word "gradual" to Wilberforce's motion for abolition was adopted by the House of Commons. The amended motion then passed with 230 votes in favour, indicating a shift towards a more measured approach to abolition.

What conditions did Henry Dundas believe were necessary for the abolition of the slave trade?

Henry Dundas believed that any abolition of the slave trade should be dependent on the support of West Indian colonial legislatures and the implementation of laws to improve the conditions of enslaved people. Abolitionists argued this would lead to indefinite delays.

How did the Acts of Union 1800 influence the parliamentary debate on the slave trade?

The Acts of Union 1800, which incorporated 100 Irish Members of Parliament into the British Parliament, bolstered the abolitionist cause. A majority of these new Irish MPs were supportive of abolition, strengthening the parliamentary faction advocating for the end of the slave trade.

What was the significance of Napoleon Bonaparte's actions regarding slavery in French colonies in relation to Britain's abolition efforts?

Napoleon Bonaparte had reintroduced slavery in French colonies in 1802, a move seen as reactionary. By abolishing the slave trade, Britain could claim the moral high ground against its French adversary, particularly as it was struggling to counter Napoleon's military successes on the continent.

What was the outcome of the vote in the House of Commons on February 23, 1807, regarding the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade?

On February 23, 1807, twenty years after Wilberforce began his campaign, the House of Commons voted to approve the second reading of the bill to abolish the Atlantic slave trade. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour, with 283 votes for and only 16 against.

What was the last legal slave voyage for a British vessel?

The last legal slave voyage for a British vessel was undertaken by the ship *Kitty's Amelia*. It had received clearance to sail on April 27, 1807, before the act's effective date of May 1, 1807, and legally sailed on July 27, 1807.

How did the United States address the slave trade in the same year as the British Act?

In the same year, 1807, the United States passed its Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves on March 2. This act abolished the US Atlantic slave trade, but it did not affect the internal trade of slaves within the United States.

What constitutional provision in the United States influenced the timing of its slave trade abolition?

Article 1, Section 9, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution forbade the closing of the slave trade for twenty years, until 1808. This meant that any federal law to abolish the international slave trade could not take effect before that year.

What were the penalties imposed by the Slave Trade Act 1807 on ship captains who continued the trade?

The Act created fines for ship captains who continued the slave trade, which could amount to up to £100 per enslaved person found on their ship. This financial penalty was intended to deter captains from engaging in the illegal trade.

What tactic did some ship captains employ to avoid fines from the Royal Navy when the Slave Trade Act 1807 was in effect?

To avoid fines, some ship captains would dump captives overboard when they sighted Royal Navy ships. This desperate measure was taken to reduce the number of enslaved people on board and thus lower the potential penalties.

What naval force was established by the Royal Navy to enforce the Slave Trade Act 1807, and when?

The Royal Navy established the West Africa Squadron in 1808 to patrol the coast of West Africa and enforce the Slave Trade Act 1807. This squadron played a crucial role in intercepting illegal slave ships.

How many slave ships did the West Africa Squadron seize, and approximately how many Africans did they free between 1808 and 1860?

Between 1808 and 1860, the West Africa Squadron seized approximately 1,600 slave ships and freed about 150,000 Africans who were aboard these vessels. This demonstrates the significant efforts made to enforce the abolition of the slave trade.

How did the Royal Navy treat ships found to be transporting slaves after the Act of 1807?

After the Slave Trade Act 1807, the Royal Navy declared that ships transporting slaves would be treated the same as pirate vessels. This classification underscored the severity with which the illegal trade was to be treated.

What actions were taken against African kingdoms that refused to sign treaties outlawing the slave trade?

Actions were taken against African kingdoms that refused to sign treaties to outlaw the slave trade. For example, the text mentions the deposition of "the usurping King of Lagos" in 1851, indicating a forceful approach to securing these agreements.

How many anti-slavery treaties were signed with African rulers following the Act of 1807?

Following the Act of 1807, anti-slavery treaties were signed with over 50 African rulers. These agreements were part of Britain's diplomatic efforts to suppress the slave trade across the continent.

What impact did David Livingstone's reports have on the abolitionist movement in the 1860s?

David Livingstone's reports detailing atrocities within the Arab slave trade in East Africa stirred public interest in Britain. These reports helped to revive the flagging abolitionist movement, leading to renewed efforts to suppress the trade.

How did Britain use the island of Zanzibar in its efforts to enforce the ban on slave trading in the 1890s?

In 1890, Britain gained control of Zanzibar in exchange for Heligoland with Germany. This control over Zanzibar was partly utilized to help enforce the ban on slave trading in the region, reflecting a continued commitment to abolition.

What was the status of the Slave Trade Act 1807 as indicated in the infobox?

The status of the Slave Trade Act 1807, as indicated in the infobox, was "Repealed." This signifies that the act is no longer in force.

What was the long title of the Act of Parliament that repealed the Slave Trade Act 1807?

The Slave Trade Act 1807 was repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act 1861. This later act consolidated and removed obsolete legislation.

What was the territorial extent of the Slave Trade Act 1807?

The territorial extent of the Slave Trade Act 1807 was the British Empire. This meant its provisions applied across all territories under British control at that time.

What was the significance of the *Kitty's Amelia* incident regarding the Slave Trade Act 1807?

The *Kitty's Amelia* incident highlighted a loophole in the Act. Although the Act took effect on May 1, 1807, the ship had received clearance to sail before this deadline, allowing its voyage on July 27, 1807, to be the last legal slave voyage for a British vessel.

What was the stated purpose of Napoleon's Continental System in relation to Britain?

The stated purpose of Napoleon's Continental System, established by the Berlin Decree, was to weaken the British economy by closing French-controlled territory to British trade. This economic warfare was a significant factor during the period when Britain was passing its abolition act.

What did the Parliament of Upper Canada do in 1793 regarding the slave trade?

In 1793, the Parliament of Upper Canada passed its Act Against Slavery, which abolished the slave trade. It also freed slaves who immigrated and children born to enslaved women upon reaching age 25, though it did not emancipate existing resident slaves.

How did Britain use diplomatic influence after the 1807 Act to encourage other nations to end their slave trades?

Following the adoption of the 1807 Act, Britain actively used its diplomatic influence to pressure other nations to end their involvement in the slave trade. This led to treaties with Portugal, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Spain, wherein these countries agreed to restrict or abolish their slave trades.

What did the Treaty of Paris of 1814 stipulate regarding France's involvement in the slave trade?

The Treaty of Paris in 1814 stipulated that France agreed with Britain that the slave trade was "repugnant to the principles of natural justice." France also committed to abolishing its participation in the slave trade within five years.

What was the significance of the 1814 Anglo-Dutch treaty?

The 1814 Anglo-Dutch treaty marked the Netherlands' agreement to outlaw its slave trade. This treaty was part of Britain's broader diplomatic efforts to secure international cooperation in abolishing the slave trade.

What was the significance of the *Slave Trade Felony Act 1811* in relation to the 1807 Act?

The *Slave Trade Felony Act 1811* relates to the Slave Trade Act 1807. While the text doesn't detail its specific purpose, its existence indicates further legislative action or clarification concerning the slave trade following the 1807 Act.

What was the date of the repeal of the Slave Trade Act 1807?

The Slave Trade Act 1807 was repealed on August 6, 1861. This repeal was enacted through the Statute Law Revision Act 1861.

What was the stated reason for Britain's abolition of the slave trade in the context of its war with France?

In the context of the ongoing War of the Fourth Coalition, Britain's abolition of the slave trade allowed it to gain the moral high ground against its French foe, Napoleon. This was particularly relevant as Napoleon had recently reintroduced slavery in French colonies.

What was the role of the "Saints" in the British Parliament concerning the abolitionist movement?

The "Saints" were a faction of like-minded members within the British Parliament who supported the abolitionist cause. Led by William Wilberforce, this alliance, often driven by religious conviction, controlled a significant number of parliamentary seats and was instrumental in advocating for the Slave Trade Act 1807.

What was the outcome of the 1792 motion in the House of Commons concerning the slave trade, after amendments were made?

After amendments were made, including the adoption of a "gradual" abolition, the motion concerning the slave trade passed the House of Commons in 1792 with 230 votes in favour and 85 against. This marked a step forward, though the bill did not pass the House of Lords at that time.

What was the significance of the "Berlin Decree" issued by Napoleon in 1806?

The Berlin Decree, issued by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory over Prussia, brought the Continental System into effect. The stated purpose of this system was to weaken the British economy by closing French-controlled territory to British trade.

What was the outcome of the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1810 concerning the slave trade?

The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1810 resulted in Portugal agreeing to restrict its slave trade into its colonies. This was one of the diplomatic achievements Britain pursued to encourage other nations to abolish the trade.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris of 1814 regarding France's commitment to ending the slave trade?

The Treaty of Paris of 1814 saw France agree with Britain that the slave trade was "repugnant to the principles of natural justice." France also committed to abolishing its participation in the slave trade within five years.

What was the significance of the 1817 Anglo-Spanish treaty?

The 1817 Anglo-Spanish treaty was significant because it called for Spain to suppress its slave trade by 1820. This treaty was part of Britain's broader diplomatic strategy to secure international commitments against the slave trade.

What was the "coastwise slave trade" created in the United States as a result of its abolition of the international slave trade?

The American abolition of the international slave trade led to the creation of a "coastwise slave trade" within the United States. This refers to the domestic trade of enslaved people between different ports and regions within the US, which continued after the international trade was banned.

What was the context of the "spike in the number of slaves being traded" mentioned in relation to the US abolition of the international slave trade?

The spike in the number of slaves being traded in the US, prior to the abolition of the international slave trade, was driven by economic incentives. As the end of the international trade approached, there was an increased urgency to trade slaves before the new law took effect.

What does the image of William Wilberforce depict?

The image of William Wilberforce depicts him as the leader of the British campaign to abolish the Atlantic slave trade. He is recognized for his pivotal role in advocating for the Slave Trade Act 1807.

What historical event is depicted by the image of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville?

The image of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, is a portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence. Dundas played a significant role in the parliamentary debates surrounding the abolition of the slave trade, advocating for gradual measures.

Slave Trade Act 1807 Wiki: The 1807 Abolition: A Landmark Act Against the Slave Trade

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Act Overview

Parliamentary Milestone

The Slave Trade Act 1807 (cited as 47 Geo. 3 Sess. 1. c. 36), also known as the Abolition of Slave Trade Act, was a significant piece of legislation passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Its primary effect was to prohibit the Atlantic slave trade throughout the British Empire.

Effective Date

The Act took effect on 1 May 1807. While it did not immediately emancipate individuals already enslaved, it marked a crucial step by forbidding the future transportation and sale of enslaved people within British territories.

International Influence

Beyond its domestic impact, the Act served as a catalyst, encouraging Great Britain to exert diplomatic pressure on other nations to abolish their own slave trades. This diplomatic push aimed to establish international norms against the practice.

Background & Campaign

Economic Context

In the decade preceding the Act, the slave trade was a highly profitable enterprise for Britain. British ships undertook numerous voyages annually, transporting hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic. This economic incentive presented a significant hurdle for abolitionists.

Abolitionist Movement

The formation of the Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1787, spearheaded by Evangelical Protestants and Quakers, galvanized opposition. Figures like William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson led the charge, meticulously gathering evidence against the trade and advocating for its end. Their moral and political campaign gained considerable traction within Parliament.

William Wilberforce, a prominent parliamentary leader, famously declared his divine mandate to suppress the slave trade. Thomas Clarkson provided crucial evidence documenting the trade's brutality. The movement often framed their struggle as a moral crusade. However, parliamentary debates revealed divisions, notably concerning the pace of abolition. Henry Dundas, Viscount Melville, argued for gradual abolition, citing potential economic disruption and the need for colonial legislative support, a stance abolitionists countered would lead to indefinite delays.

Parliamentary Struggle

The path to the Act was arduous, spanning nearly two decades. Early attempts, like Wilberforce's 1791 motion, were defeated. Subsequent efforts in the 1790s saw partial successes in the House of Commons, often amended to propose gradual abolition, but failed in the House of Lords. The political landscape shifted with the Ministry of All the Talents and the increased representation of Irish MPs following the Acts of Union 1800, creating a more favorable environment for the bill's passage in 1807.

International Impact & Diplomacy

United States Parallel Action

Coincidentally, the United States passed its own Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves in March 1807, shortly after the British action. While both acts targeted the international trade, the U.S. law did not immediately abolish the internal domestic slave trade.

European Pressure

Following the 1807 Act, Britain actively engaged in diplomacy to encourage other European powers to end their involvement in the slave trade. Treaties were signed with Portugal (1810), Sweden (1813), France (1814), the Netherlands (1814), and Spain (1817), progressively outlawing the trade, though enforcement varied.

North American Context

In British North America (present-day Canada), the Parliament of Upper Canada had already passed legislation in 1793 restricting the slave trade and freeing imported slaves. An Order-in-Council in 1805 further restricted slave importation into colonies captured from France and the Netherlands, aligning with the growing abolitionist sentiment.

Enforcement Mechanisms

Naval Patrols

The Royal Navy played a critical role in enforcing the ban. The establishment of the West Africa Squadron in 1808 was specifically tasked with patrolling West African coasts. Between 1808 and 1860, this squadron seized approximately 1,600 slave ships and liberated over 150,000 Africans.

Legal Measures

The Act imposed fines on ship captains found engaged in the slave trade. To circumvent these penalties, captains sometimes resorted to desperate measures, such as throwing enslaved people overboard upon sighting naval vessels. The Royal Navy eventually classified slave trading as piracy.

Treaties and Pressure

Britain also pursued anti-slavery treaties with over 50 African rulers who were reluctant to cease trading. Later, in the 1860s and 1870s, reports by figures like David Livingstone highlighted the brutality of the Arab slave trade in East Africa, reinvigorating abolitionist efforts and leading to naval actions against the trade in Zanzibar.

Legacy & Repeal

Path to Full Abolition

While the 1807 Act abolished the trade, slavery itself persisted in most British colonies. Full abolition across the empire was achieved with the Slavery Abolition Act 1833. The 1807 Act was eventually repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act 1861, though its prohibitionary effects continued through subsequent legislation.

Final Abolition

The complete eradication of slavery within territories under British influence took considerable time. Nigeria and Bahrain were among the last territories to formally abolish slavery, with their final prohibitions occurring in 1937.

Related Legislation

The 1807 Act laid the groundwork for further legal action against slavery and the slave trade. Subsequent legislation, such as the Slave Trade Felony Act 1811, increased penalties, treating the trade as a felony. The legal status of slavery on English soil itself had been challenged earlier in cases like Somerset's case (1772).

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References

"Mar 2, 1807: Congress abolishes the African slave trade", This Day in History.

William Wilberforce (1759â1833)

The Debate on a Motion for the Abolition of the Slave-trade on Monday the 2nd of April 1792, (supra) pp. 94â102

Cobbett's Parliamentary History, Vol 29 (supra) at p. 1268. Via Digital Bodleian.

Cobbett's Parliamentary History, Vol 29 (supra) at p. 1293. Via Digital Bodleian.

By way of contrast, see Pennsylvania's 1780 abolition legislation, An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery.

"The 1807 Act and its effects", The Abolition Project.

BBC: Abolition of Transatlantic Slave Trade

"1807 Abolition of Slavery Act", Spartacus Educational.

Jo Loosemore, "Sailing against slavery", BBC â Devon, 24 September 2014.

The West African Squadron and slave trade

Welcome to EncyclopÃ¦dia Britannica's Guide to Black History

A full list of references for this article are available at the Slave Trade Act 1807 Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data available from Wikipedia and may not represent the most current or complete historical analysis. The information provided is not a substitute for professional legal or historical consultation.

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The 1807 Abolition

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Act Overview ⚖️

🇬🇧 Parliamentary Milestone

🗓️ Effective Date

🌍 International Influence

Background & Campaign 🏛️

💰 Economic Context

🤝 Abolitionist Movement

📜 Parliamentary Struggle

International Impact & Diplomacy 🌍

🇺🇸 United States Parallel Action

🇪🇺 European Pressure

🇨🇦 North American Context

Enforcement Mechanisms ⚓

🚢 Naval Patrols

⚖️ Legal Measures

📜 Treaties and Pressure

Legacy & Repeal ⏳

➡️ Path to Full Abolition

🏁 Final Abolition

📚 Related Legislation

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Act Overview

Parliamentary Milestone

Effective Date

International Influence

Background & Campaign

Economic Context

Abolitionist Movement

Parliamentary Struggle

International Impact & Diplomacy

United States Parallel Action

European Pressure

North American Context

Enforcement Mechanisms

Naval Patrols

Legal Measures

Treaties and Pressure

Legacy & Repeal

Path to Full Abolition

Final Abolition

Related Legislation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice