Empire 67. Slavery's Demise
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Jul 20, 2023 
Michael Taylor, a historian and author of "The Interest," dives into the fierce battle for the complete abolition of slavery in the British Empire. He details Thomas Fowell Buxton's leadership against the robust West India Interest and the intricate political maneuverings of the time. The discussion highlights grassroots efforts led by Elizabeth Heyrick and the challenges faced by abolitionists in a climate rife with pro-slavery sentiments, including violent backlash against missionaries. Discover the turning tides in the 1820s that reshaped the future of the abolitionist movement.
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Abolitionist Shift
- Abolitionists shifted their stance to advocate for complete abolition after initially focusing on just the slave trade.
- They believed that ending the trade would naturally lead to slavery's decline, but this didn't happen.
Friendship and Influence
- Charles Rose Ellis, leading the London Society of West India Planters, was close friends with George Canning, a powerful politician.
- This friendship played a crucial role in the early stages of the anti-slavery campaign.
Pamphlets and Uprising
- Abolitionist pamphlets, including Buxton's message, spread to the colonies like Demerara.
- Some blamed these messages for inspiring a slave revolt, while others credited them with raising awareness.
