Rapid Rise of the Movement to Abolish the Slave Trade Essay

Rapid Rise of the Movement to Abolish the Slave Trade - Essay Example Problems would arise where the slaves would die from tropical diseases and owners would not provide proper medical care, slaves would be beaten mercilessly by their master and owners and there were no laws governing this immoral behavior. However, a few individuals in the society would consider slavery and slave trade as an immoral behavior and this led to the formation of anti-slavery movements. The abolishment of slavery was a long struggle dated back in 1750 where a number of Quakers started to disapprove slave trade, the Quakers started to disapprove slave trade and encouraged slave owners to educate slaves, introduce them into Christianity and improve their working and living conditions, in 1783 a group of six Quakers pioneered a movement that was to start the struggle to abolish slave trade. These members included George Harrison, John Lloyd, William Dillwyn, Joseph Hooper, Joseph Woods, and James Phillips. this was a non-denominational movement which was aimed at gaining support from parliament and the Anglican church. This movement gained popularity and an addition of three members of the Anglican Church joined the movement and this really strengthened this group, these Anglican members included William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson and Granville Sharp. After the joining of the religious members William Wilberforce was chosen to be the group member due to his connection with the British parliament, the struggle continued but Wilberforce faced strong resistance to the abolishment of the slave trade in parliament and this was due to the fact that there was a powerful dependence on slaves and slave trade. The first petition to abolish slave trade was made in 1783 but it failed by the vote where more member opposed the abolishment of the slave trade.