1833: The Year Britain Abolished Slavery
On 28 August 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was given royal assent in Britain. This legislation terminated an institution that, for generations, had been the source of an incredibly lucrative trade and commerce. It was not only planters who benefitted from the significant West Indian branch of British colonial commerce, but the merchants, sugar refiners, manufacturers, insurance brokers, attorneys, shipbuilders and money lenders – all of whom were invested in the institution in some form or another. In this two-part documentary, using the academic expertise of Professor Christer Petley at the University of Southampton, Luke Tomes explores the historical context surrounding the 1833 Abolition Act, the fierce opposition facing abolitionists in the lead up to its ratification and the reasons as to why members of the Anti-Slavery Society were able to overcome the odds.
Cast: Luke Tomes, Dr Christer Petley
Season 1
2 episodes
1. Part 1Documentary series exploring the abolition of Slavery in the British Dominions in 1833.
In Episode 1 of this two-part documentary series, Luke Tomes explores the rebirth of an abolition movement in Britain with the formation of the Anti-Slavery Society in 1823, driven by the ambitious goal of ending the institution of slavery in British Dominions.
Also introduced is the fierce opposition facing the abolitionists, the West India Interest, a political lobby comprised of wealthy merchants, proprietors and influential Members of Parliament – all of whom held vested interests in opposing emancipation at all costs.PGCC53minSep 26, 2021
2. Part 2Documentary series exploring the abolition of Slavery in the British Dominions in 1833. In Episode 2 of this documentary series, we see the gradual deterioration of the West India Interest, its power base weakened by political reform in the United Kingdom, a decline in the value of sugar and an inspired slave rebellion in Jamaica (1831/2) which unearthed the true nature of West Indian Colonists and demonstrated the instability of the institution.
We also touch upon the agonising moral dilemma abolitionists faced on the subject of compensation; the financial remuneration planters received from the government as a form of repayment for their “lost property”.PGCC52minOct 3, 2021
1833: The Year Britain Abolished Slavery
On 28 August 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was given royal assent in Britain. This legislation terminated an institution that, for generations, had been the source of an incredibly lucrative trade and commerce. It was not only planters who benefitted from the significant West Indian branch of British colonial commerce, but the merchants, sugar refiners, manufacturers, insurance brokers, attorneys, shipbuilders and money lenders – all of whom were invested in the institution in some form or another. In this two-part documentary, using the academic expertise of Professor Christer Petley at the University of Southampton, Luke Tomes explores the historical context surrounding the 1833 Abolition Act, the fierce opposition facing abolitionists in the lead up to its ratification and the reasons as to why members of the Anti-Slavery Society were able to overcome the odds.
Creators and cast
Maturity rating
PGCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Stream
