On This Day… Britain Abolished The Slave Trade!
Written by: George Chittenden : 09 Jul 2019
It was on this day, 25th March, back in 1807 when the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act received its royal assent, abolishing the slave trade in the British colonies and making it illegal to carry enslaved people on British ships. An anti-slavery movement had existed in Britain for over twenty years. Ever since 1783, many voices had voiced their concern.
In Parliament, Charles James Fox and William Pitt the Younger both agreed with the intention to outlaw the despicable trade. However, some of the most powerful economic interests disagreed, for obvious reasons, including the powerful West India Lobby. Immense Fortunes had been made through the trade and those benefiting were not going to go down without a fight.
Thankfully the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act finally passed through both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and both voted in its favour. On 25th March 1807 the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act received its royal assent and went into force.
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