The legacy of slavery
The Transatlantic Slave Trade lasted for centuries and the impact of this terrible episode in human history still continues today. Countless millions suffered and died while others profited during the trade. Subsequently racism, prejudice and xenophobia today are to some extent part of the broader legacy of slavery.
Economic impact
Some historians such as Peter Fryer have argued that the economics of the trade helped stifle African economic development while supporting and stimulating the European and North American process of industrialization and urbanization.
Also, colonialism and unequal trade relations are in part responsible for the inequality in international trade today.
Changes over time
The legal ending of the trade was partially caused by the sympathy and moral outrage of elements of the British public and ruling classes. However, this did not change the attitudes of plantation owners and many individuals.
Despite emancipation in the colonies, the planters' power, the harsh conditions on plantations and the racism and cruelty perpetrated by many of the ruling classes continued.
Hidden attitudes
Exploring how attitudes shifted over time is essential to this subject. This can be examined, for example, in the posed photograph 'Sugar-Cane Cutters in Jamaica', c. 1880. The photograph appears to show a liberated group of Jamaican workers, but does not reflect the need for better conditions, fairer distribution of land, equality, and social justice.
Positive impacts
Historical records demonstrate the existence of small African communities in Britain since Roman times. These communities grew as a result of the British Empire and increased global travel and trade.
People of African descent influenced and played a vital role in all aspects of American and European society across all professions. In addition, they introduced African and Caribbean cultures to these continents.
Black Britons
During the 18th century there was a large and vibrant black community in Britain. However, in the aftermath of abolition it declined, and at the same time racial attitudes in Britain began to harden.
In the 1950s the British government encouraged citizens from the Caribbean to come and work in the 'mother country’ as there was a shortage of labour. Many west Africans also came to work and study in Britain.
Oladuah Equiano and Ignatius Sancho are renowned because of their anti-slavery work. Others like Harry Sutton and James Wharton became famous for sporting skills, and the late 18th-century musician and actor Billy Waters was celebrated for his artistic talents.
Also of interest
- Atlantic Worlds – A gallery exploring the relationships between Britain, Africa and the Americas, 1600-1850