Short Essay Two

Anti-slavery sentiment was prevalent among all political sectors in British abolitionist movements. Abolitionists consisted of both socially conservative and liberal people who worked together to achieve their goal. Both groups benefitted from slavery during the eighteenth century, yet towards the end of the century they both had turned against it. Those who are socially conservative or members of the “right wing” of society often let religion control their political views. Prior to abolitionist views, conservatives approved of the concept of slavery due to biblical ties to servitude and the ability to convert African slaves to Christianity (Davis 24). As the African slave trade progressed, conservative Britons felt slavery had become a despotic and morally repugnant institution. Leaders of the religious anti- slavery movement preached that the tyranny which was in control of slavery was “transforming slavery into an ungodly evil” (Walvin 167). After being witnesses to the cruelties of slavery, conservatives were quick to see that slavery did not represent their worldly views. On the other side of the political spectrum were the liberal enlightened scholars of the time, or the “left wing” which also wanted to stop slavery. Similar to the conservatives, the “left wing” had condoned slavery before condemning it. Liberal Britons believed that slavery was an inevitable part of human society; one culture would ultimately take over a weaker one making it submissive. Over the eighteenth century however, these enlightenment thinkers realized that slavery was holding back human progression not enabling it. Liberal thinkers desired to end slavery in order to create a progressive society not because of religious injustice. The enlightenment provided a great forum for abolitionists to discuss the hypocrisies of enslaving man while advocating for freedom for all. David Brion Davis writes, “the subject of Negro slavery on the agenda of the European enlightenment, weighing the institution against the general laws or principals that promoted human happiness” (Davis 22). Liberals believed that in order for society to advance, the institution of slavery must be ended because of its conflict with progressive ideals. The eighteenth century was a transitioning period for slavery in Briton. Both right and left wing Britons had reasons for supporting slavery at the beginning. Overall, Britons accepted slavery during the beginning of the eighteenth century for both religious and philosophical principles. However, with increased exposure to the institution both were able to see that it did not coincide with original reasoning for accepting it. In the end the same principles which allowed Britons to eagerly permit slavery and the slave trade provided the rationale for abolishing it.