Attempt an assessment of the part played by William Wilberforce in the abolition of slavery

        Although the slave trade was increasingly viewed with "...a feeling of revulsion"(V: pg.60) many criticised Wilberforce and the abolitionist movement during this period as they circumnavigated the complex and emotionally charged question of emancipation. Robin Furneaux suggests that this reflected Wilberforce's deficiencies as he was seen as "...overcautious and too anxious to avoid giving offence to governments which needed and had his support on other issues.”(V: pg.107) This stance however could also be attributed to his understanding of the social, economic and political conditions of the time. Wilberforce realised that the emancipation of slaves was an ideal which was not acceptable to the British peoples and he believed that due to their enslavement, the Negroes were unsuited for freedom at this time. In order to allow preparation for eventual emancipation and to improve the chances of success, the abolitionists concentrated on eliminating the business of trading in slaves which, they believed, would ultimately lead to the eradication of slavery as a whole.(II: pg.72)

        Wilberforce himself "...was heir to a hundred years of successful trading."

(V: pg.3) and representative of the growing bourgeoisie who held power in Britain. He, like them, had gained his wealth and position through commerce. Wilberforce's use of economic argument, regarding the financial unsoundness of the slave trade, was therefore one which, in this era of industry and profit making, was assured of evoking discussion amongst those involved in the trade. The resources gained from slavery, combined with fears that its abolition would prove detrimental to British supremacy and advantageous to the French, were viewed as an essential and integral part of the continued success of the British Empire. Despite Wilberforce's campaign, "Commerce clinked its purse" (III: pg.211) and he lost the first of many parliamentary votes on abolition.

        Although grieved by this defeat Wilberforce continued to devote his immense talents to achieving abolition. He was renowned for his thoroughness in preparing his documentation and invested considerable effort "...analysing, checking and exposing opponent’s evidence and preparing their own.”(V: pg.93). His oratory skills were also to prove very beneficial and he proved to be remarkably eloquent. The impact was further intensified by using a diverse array of materials, such as a model of a slave ship and pictures of enchained Negro slaves, to illustrate his argument. Combined with his personal characteristics and skills, his family connections and socio-economic status gained him many influential and powerful friends. Most notable amongst them was William Pitt the Prime Minister of whom Wilberforce is stated to have been the "...most intimate friend.”(V: pg.31). Roger Anstey maintains that it was through Wilberforce's influence that the abolitionists gained many of their "...triumphs.”(I: pg.272)

        These successes however were limited and it was not until after Pitt's death and Wilberforce's retirement that slavery was finally abolished. Although Wilberforce had been unrelenting in his pursuit of abolition and had, to a considerable degree, facilitated its occurrence, the abolition of slavery is attributed to the culmination of numerous diverse factors. Amongst these was the mobilisation of public opinion in the form of the mass petition. Although for Wilberforce this was "...a strange new weapon and it lay uneasily in his hands.” (V: pg.107) by 1792, an unprecedented number of petitions calling for the end of the slave trade had been presented to Parliament. This depth of public opinion was further expressed by members of the new political administration "... who had given pledges to their constituents to vote for abolition.”(V: pg.251)

         Wilberforce's enthusiasm for the abolitionist cause and his political influence did not diminish with the introduction of a new government and, despite his worsening health; he continued his relentless campaign to abolish slavery. It can be argued however that the abolition of slavery was now more easily attainable as conditions in Britain and abroad, had altered dramatically. The Revolution in France and the American War of Independence had removed numerous threats to the Empire, while the reorientation of trading relationships had modified Britain's economic situation.

(IX: pg.45). The British Parliament was further influenced by the numbers of countries that had already abolished the slave trade. Among these were the Danish, Dutch, American's and French. (VII: pg.247) Despite international condemnation of the slave trade, the decision taken by Britain in 1833 to abolish slavery was one of the "...great moments of human history" (V: pg.255)

        There were many able and enlightened men and women involved in the campaign for the abolition of slavery and no one individual can claim sole responsibility for its eventual success. William Wilberforce though, must surely be attributed with recognition considering his part in the abolition of the slave trade without which emancipation of the slaves would have been unthinkable. Wilberforce's role was extremely important and his religious resolve, eloquence and intelligence enabled him to influence the British public as well as many of the most powerful members of society.  The abolition of slavery however, was eventually brought about as a result of numerous and complex inter-related factors. As stated by Patrick Richardson it was an amalgamation of changes in “Economic and political thought, strategic thinking, humanitarian attitudes and even cultural values" which brought about the demise of this "... most monstrous evil.” (V; pg. 255).

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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                                THE SCARECROW PRESS INC.

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                                DA CAPO PRESS.

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PAUL BIRCH.

ATTEMPT AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PART PLAYED BY WILLIAM WILBERFORCE IN THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.

BA (HONS) HUMANITIES. P.T

YEAR 3.

LECTURER: H. ELLIAS

RELIGION RS203.

APPROX. 1500 WORDS.