11.+Theme+4-+The+Metropolitan+movement+towards+emancipation

__**THEME 4 - THE METROPOLITAN MOVEMENT TOWARDS EMANCIPATION**__

In this theme we will answer the following questions
 * Why was the slave trade abolished?
 * What were the arguments for and against the abolition of slavery?
 * How was Amelioration different in British, French and Spanish colonies?
 * What were the main features of the anti slavery movement?
 * What were the main stipulations of the British Emancipation act?
 * Why was an apprenticeship system introduced in some colonies and what were the problem associated with this system?;

Introduction

When in the 18th Century, British citizens and leaders began taking action against the slave trade and slavery, it was the first time in human history that any society decided that enslaving other human beings was wrong. As you will see, this was not because human nature had suddenly become more conscintous or because the British were more enlightened than other people. Instead it was because Britain was so advanced technologically that slavery was no longer needed for the rich in Britain to have a high standard of living.