The movement to abolish
slave trade started in Britain with the formation of anti-slavery movements.
The British government abolished slave trade through anti slave laws
(legislation), treaties and use of force.
The anti slavery
movement was led by Granville Sharp, other members were Thomas Clarkson,
William Wilberforce and others.
Ø The
first step was taken in 1772 when slavery was declared illegal and abolished in
Britain. The humanitarians secured judgment against slavery from the British
court.
Ø In
1807, British parliament outlawed slave trade for British subjects.
Ø In
1817 British negotiated the “the reciprocal search treaties” with Spain and
Portugal.
Ø Equipment
treaties signed with Spain 1835, Portugal 1842 and America 1862. In east Africa
in 1822 Mores by treaty was signed between captain Moresby and sultan Seyyid
Said it forbade the shipping of slaves outside the sultan's territories.
British sips were authorised to stop and search suspected Arabs slave carrying
dhows.
Ø In
1845, Hamerton treaty was signed between Colonel Hamerton and sultan Seyyid
Said. It forbade the shipping of slaves outside the sultan's East Africa
territories i.e. beyond to the North.
Ø In
1871, the British set up the parliamentary commission of inquiry to investigate
and report on slave trade in East Africa.
Ø In
1872, sir. Bartle Frere persuaded sultan Barghash to stop slave trade but not
much was achieved.
Ø On
5th march 1873, the sultan passed a decree prohibiting the export of slaves
from mainland and closed of slave market at Zanzibar. Zanzibar slave market was
to be closed within 24 hours
Ø In
1876, sultan decreed that no slaves were to be transported overland.
Ø In
1897, decree left slaves to claim their freedom themselves
Ø In
1907, slavery was abolished entirely in Zanzibar and Pemba.
Ø In
1927, slavery ended in Tanganyika w hen British took over from Germany after
the Second World War.
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