Introduction
Abolitionism is the action of trying to end slavery, especially the owning of slaves. The practice was common in the united states before the advent of the civil war. In 1807 there was the slave trade act that outlawed the transportation of slaves from Africa. The movement was instigated by religious leaders such as William Wilberforce, who was a staunch Baptist (Sinha, 100). The act of 1807 and the works of the religious leaders led to the abolition of the slave trade in all British empires in the year 1833. During colonial times, the need for colossal workforce due to the industrialization that was happening in Europe at the time was high. Slaves were transported in from various countries in Africa to give cheap labor to European in different sectors of the industry. As the world advanced, many individuals, including those who were not slaves, saw how inhumanely slaves were treated. The church was mostly at the forefront of championing the end of the slave trade. This paper will tackle some of the issues that led to abolitionism and the end of the slave trade in lager Europe.
Abolitionism and Its Causes
To properly understand the cause of abolitionism, it is crucial to look at pro abolitionism leaders who shed light on the plight of slaves, by holding debates and public gatherings. People such as William Loyd Garrison are critical to the sprouting of the abolitionist movement for eradicating slavery (Wrenn, 177.). The plight of slaves highlighted and brought to light by white leaders such as Garrison contributed immensely to abolitionism. The period was of social revolution, and equality of all races ensured there was balance in the society. The struggle for justice was not just in the social arena but in all areas of the community. The leaders who were against abolitionism started revolutions, which attracted many people, especially slaves, to take up arms and rally to free themselves from the York of oppression.
Laws to free slaves and liberate them were being passed in states such as Virginia in 1816, which requested a resolution to allow persons of color to be given asylum and protection (Baptist, 2757). Such laws elicited sympathy for people of color and resolved among people of color to be free in states where there existed no such requirement. There were also oppressive laws such as slaves having no rights, both civil and religious. These laws were seen as harsh because they denied slaves the freedom to worship, own property, or move freely within their countries of captivity.
Some publications influenced the start of abolitionism. Articles and books such as the liberator by David walker (Momchilov, 175.) encouraged people of color to rise against their oppression and subjugation. The publication declared slavery a malignancy and called for its end immediately. The paper cited a raft of injustices meted to colored people such as colonization and slavery. David began to speak to crowds of people on the experiences of being enslaved. His vocal advocacy of slavery abolition put him at high risk and was forced to flee to England. However, other abolitionists secured his return, and he immediately began publishing material that was against slavery, and the paper was known as the North star. The publications gave morale to slaves to form revolts and also appeal to white people to end slavery.
Oppression and objectification where people are reduced to objects to be owned. The marking of slaves through tattooing and other means. The markings were for punishment or passing of messages by masters through the slaves. The objectification and oppression of slaves also contributed to slave revolts. The objectification denied them fundamental rights and was virtually owned by their masters. All these curtailed their movement, speech, and the ability to work and get paid freely. Many slaves who worked in the field worked under very inhuman conditions, and others would work for long hours, and all were without pay. Antislavery took many forms, an example being Den mark versey who bought his freedom through the winning of a lottery (Harasymiw, 188). It was a time when slaves were owned and could not virtually be free or own anything except their owner's permission.
The war of 1812 and the American Revolution were some of the significant causes of the abolition of the slave trade (Randall, 277). During the war, some slaves found the opportunity and escaped into the care of British forces. America was much dependent on slave labor, and many sectors in their economy were disrupted by the massive movement of slaves from the USA. The movement shed light on the importance of America, relying on its labor force. Through the great war, many slaves were liberated, and black people formed changes that championed the rights of all enslaved people.
Discrimination of people of color was also a factor that caused abolitionism to sprout. Many European countries discriminated against people of color in various ways such as schools meant for blacks, bus stations, public toilets, and even representation in government was not a thing to be put into consideration (Scott, 303). Freedom was a very motivating factor among people of color to be liberated and return to their motherland or be allowed to stay and socialize in their countries of captivity freely. Without the urge to be free, abolitionism would not have been possible. Colonial societies' descriptions of freedom were made understandable through laws, application of force, and institutional practices. People who were born free had to face a harsh reality of their movement and a constant reminder of freedom curtailment.
Members of abolitionist movements were constant targets of right-wing movements that were proslavery (Berlet, 105). They were harassed and continuously lived in fear of persecution due to their actions of wanting to free slaves through publications and holding of public gatherings. These events led to the strengthening of resistance against slavery. Followers of antislavery leaders demonstrated in support of their leaders who were being harassed by authorities and people.
Events such as the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue and John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry contributed to abolitionism ( Meyer,255). The activities of the attack were aimed at starting a slave revolt to free slaves from the York of oppression by a white supremacist. The resulting deaths during the raid contributed immensely to revolutions among slaves because it supported their course. Though the assault was unsuccessful, it helped instigate a civil war in America that saw both colored and white people take up arms and fight amongst each other. The raid created consequent rebellions that lead to laws and legislation being formulated and giving people of color more voice and purpose, including leadership positions in the government.
Conclusion
History shows the migratory route of people of color, and many were free before being subjected to slavery by European nations who came to find colonies in Africa. People of color recognized the need to be free from bondage, and varied forms of resistance were utilized by slaves all over Europe and Africa. The opposition was based on factors such as economic freedom, social justice, inclusion, and fairness. As discussed in the paper, abolitionists were critical players in making it possible for slaves to get their freedom and liberation. However, the journey was not as smooth as many lost their lives while fighting for freedom and fairness in society. Slavery still exists in different parts of the world. Again, the fight by abolitionists to outlaw slavery has been worn because, in many countries around the globe, holding someone against their will is criminal and attracts punishment by law. The existence of slave labor is a sad topic to reminisce. Still, it is encouraging to know that human beings demonstrate exceptional potential and solidarity when faced with a common enemy. It is essential to make use of opportunities presented to us to bring social change or justice
