Rationale

During the lata part of fourth form, I studied Abolition and Emancipation. However, the

teacher did not go into depth, as to why slavery was abolished. I therefore decided to do a

research project on the topic “Is it safe to say that slave resistance was the main reason

slavery was abolished in 1834?” It is my hope, that it would help me understand more

about how the slaves’ push for freedom, ultimately, led to the abolition of slavery.

Additionally, it is my hope to generate within my community, awareness for our African

ancestors and an appreciation for our African ancestry.

I believe that as a result of revolts and rebellions, enslaved Africans, were now able to live

freely and take advantage of free education. My aim for this project is to show that Slave

Revolts did in fact help in abolishing the institution of slavery. This will be done by

discussing the role enslaved Africans played in dismantling the institution of slavery,

outlining the role missionaries played in the fight for freedom and assessing the economic

factors that contributed to the death of the institution of slavery.

In preparation for this research secondary sources such as books by: Dr. Elizabeth Taylor-

Kanarick, Doris Hamilton Willie and Kevin Baldeosingh and Radica Mahase will be perused.

The information gathered will be analysed through quotations, pictures and discussion of the

literature, which will be presented as an extended essay.

1
 Introduction

“Tobacco and indented labour were unsound bases for an island economy, as the West

Indians discovered when tobacco prices dropped. All contemporary witnesses agreed that

Barbados and Leeward Island tobacco was of poor quality and could not compete with

Virginia.”1 As a result a new viable source of income was needed; which was found in sugar.

With the introduction of sugar a large, viable, cheap source of labour was needed thus

millions of enslaved West Africans were brought to the Caribbean from their homeland.

During the era of slavery, roughly between 1640 and 1834, the enslaved people were ill-

treated and denied basic human rights. As a result the enslaved Africans resisted slavery in

many forms. For example running away, or forming, planning and carrying out revolts and

rebellions. They also destroyed working materials and killed their masters.

Therefore the topic ‘Is it safe to say that slave resistance was the main reason slavery was

abolished in 1834?’ is a valid one, in whereby the resilience of the enslaved Africans will be

examined. The term slave refers a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to

obey them. Resistance is the refusal to accept or comply with something. Slavery refers to a

condition in which individuals are owned by others, who control where they live and at what

time they work. Lastly the word abolished means that something had been put to an end.

Slave rebellion did in fact contribute to the abolition of slavery, however, if it was not for

missionaries and economic factors, slavery would have probably continued for years.

1
Parry, J H, Philip Sherlock, and Anthony Maingot. A Short History of the West Indies,p61

2
 Role played by Slave Resistance in Destroying the Institution of

Slavery in British Territories

Throughout the period of 1763 to 1831, multiple uprisings in the French and British

territories took place due to a number of reasons. Although there were many revolts the four

significant ones were the Haitian revolution 1791, Barbados revolt 1816, the Demerara revolt

1823 and the Christmas rebellion in Jamaica 1831. These four revolts are highlighted as they

played a major role in destroying the institution of slavery in British Territories.

Although St. Dominque was a French territory, the revolt that took place there significantly

affected British territories. The revolt in St. Dominque, commonly referred to as the Haitian

revolution sparked off a series of revolts in British territories from 1816 to 1833; when

slavery was abolished. In 1791, both the coloureds and the enslaved Africans rose up to seek

equal rights as the whites. No one factor is responsible for the occurrence of the Haitian

revolution, several reasons led to this revolution.

“The main ones were:

o the collapse of the French monarchy

o the large numbers of African slaves imported into St. Dominque in a short period of

time

o the existence of a large mixed-race class

o an intelligent and strong willed leader in Toussaint L’Ouverture

o the extreme conditions in St. Domingue”2

2
Baldeosingh, Kevin and Radica, Mahase. Caribbean History for CSEC, p85

3
Having a strong natural born leader such as Toussaint L’Ouverture who had been born slave,

ensured that slaves were well equipped during war. “His acute intelligence enabled him to

acquire military skills”3 Intelligence and military training were a lethal combination. As such

Toussaint was able to reduce the casualty rate among the slaves by training them in guerrilla

warfare; as such all attacks were done via guerrilla bands. “He would snatch guns from

plantation owners due to the fact that he was a steward of all the livestock on his master’s

estate”4 Which meant that he had access to his master’s tools. He would also ensure that all

slaves were well trained and drilled by the military. With these equipment and training which

Toussaint gave to the slaves, they were able to be successful during battle. Unfortunately he

did not live to see St. Domingue become Independent.

The Haitian Revolution was a unique revolt in that it was the first revolt to lead to the

complete abolition of slavery. The enslaved Africans in St. Domingue were now independent

and in full control of their country. Due to the Haitian Revolution, many enslaved Africans in

in British territories became inspired and their enslavers became quite fearful. Additionally,

“It promoted the idea of the abolition of slavery in British colonies. Some abolitionists used

the Haitian Revolution to justify their anti-slavery laws.”5

“In April 1816 slaves in the parishes of St. Philip, St. John and St. George in Barbados

revolted.” 6 A Registration Bill was introduced by the British Parliament to ensure that illegal

trading in Africans would cease. According to this Bill planters had to ensure that they

registered the births and deaths of slaves on their plantations; thus preventing the illegal

importation of enslaved Africans.

3
4
5
Baldeosingh, Kevin and Radica, Mahase. Caribbean History for CSEC, p90
6
Hall, Douglas. The Caribbean Experience: An Historical Survey 1450-1960, p65

4
The planters became outraged. The enslaved Africans misinterpreting this outrage felt that

freedom had been granted them but their masters had been denying them their freedom.

“Bussa, an African who was capture in Africa and brought to Barbados was one of the main

leaders.”7 Additionally, enslaved Africans such as Nanny Griggs, Jackey, Roach and Ranger

played a role in the 1816 Barbados revolt and the fight for freedom. However, although the

slaves revolted, they were unsuccessful in bringing about freedom for themselves. In fact

“The revolt was quickly crushed, but only with severe loss of life among the

slaves.”8Ultimately, the inflammatory teachings of the non-conformist missionaries were

blamed for the slaves uprising.

Non-conformist missionaries and abolitionists worked tirelessly to end slavery. However in

1823 the British Parliament introduced the Amelioration proposals, to appease the

abolitionists and keep the planters happy. Amelioration was introduced to improve the living

conditions of the enslaved Africans. However, on the 18th of August that same year the

enslaved Africans on Plantation success (Demerara) revolted. “It happened in response to

amelioration proposals. The slaves thought that freedom had been granted but the planters

were withholding it from them.”9 The revolt lasted up to 2 days with up to 10000

slaves involved in the revolt.

Unlike the Barbados revolt, the Demerara revolt is purported to have been organized by

Quamina, a slave who was a deacon, John Wray a missionary and John Smith a white

clergyman. “Again, there was a brutal suppression.”10 John Smith was arrested and sentenced

to be hanged however he died in prison instead.

7
Baldeosingh, Kevin and Radica Mahase. Caribbean History for CSEC, p81
8
Hall, Douglas. The Caribbean Experience. An Historical Survey 1450-1960, p65
9
Baldeosingh, Kevin and Radica Mahase. Caribbean History for CSEC, p82
10
Hall, Douglas. The Caribbean Experience. An Historical Survey 1450-1960, p65

5
The Demerara revolt unlike another captured the attention of many British anti-slavery

groups, considering a white clergyman had been killed. The untimely death of John Smith

gave the abolitionists in Britain the ammunition they needed to destroy the evil institution

called slavery. Finally, the fourth major revolt in Caribbean History is the Christmas revolt

of Jamaica. “In Jamaica, in 1831-32, there occurred the largest of all these pre-emancipation

slave revolts.”11 A Baptist slave Samuel Sharpe was the leader of this revolt. His intention

was for the enslaved Africans to engage in a peaceful ‘sit-down strike’. The enslaved

Africans would refuse to work on Christmas Day as a means of protesting the inhumane

treatment meted out to them and have grievances about their working conditions rectified.

Also, “He wanted the enslaved Africans to stop working as a peaceful protest and unite so

that after Christmas they would not work unless paid for their labour. The idea was that

withholding their labour would force the planters to start paying wages.”12

No one knows for sure what really happened to escalate this peaceful protest into an open

rebellion, involving thousands of slaves. “Again there was a brutal suppression.”13 Over

seven hundred and two enslaved Africans lost their lives in this rebellion. Samuel Sharp was

captured and hanged in public, while five hundred others were tied and executed. Two

hundred enslaved Africans were shot during the revolt. If one were to look at the short term

effect of the revolts in 1816, 1823, and 1831, one would concur that they were unsuccessful.

“In the short term, the enslaved undoubtedly lost with tragic and cruel losses of life.

However, the revolts did play a key part in bringing emancipation forward.”14

11
Hall, Douglas. The Caribbean Experience. An Historical Survey 1450-1960, p65
12
Baldeosingh, Kevin and Radica Mahase. Caribbean History for CSEC, p82
13
Hall, Douglas. The Caribbean Experience. An Historical Survey 1450-1960, p65
14
Claypole, William and John Robottom. Caribbean History: Froundations. Book 1,p149

6
In fact, some Historians have argued that the role played by slave revolts in bringing about an end to

slavery exacerbated when planters placed the blame for these revolts on British-born missionaries in

the Caribbean. “By attacking the thinking of the English anti-enslavement leaders and persecuting the

missionaries, the planters, strengthened the movement in England.”15

15
Claypole, William and John Robottom. Caribbean History: Froundations. Book 1,p149

7
 Role of Missionaries/Humanitarians in the Fight to End Slavery

‘Abolition’ refers to the stopping of the trade in slaves and ‘emancipation’ to setting. For the

Humanitarians emancipation was the goal but it could not be achieved without the

intermediate step of abolition.”16 It have been argued by Historians that the campaign against

Emancipation faced more opposition than the campaign for abolition, thus Humanitarians

decided to focus their efforts on the abolition of slavery. “In Britain and France the campaign

was led by humanitarians, men concerned about the welfare of their fellow men.”17

However, it is somewhat challenging to accurately assess the role of the missionaries in

bringing about the abolition of slavery. Most of the missionaries were not members of the

Established Church to which a large percentage of the British Parliament belonged; as such

they had no real influence. This did not stop them from trying to save the souls of their

enslaved brothers. “They were told that the enslaved had never heard of God and Christ, were

immoral in their dress, by not being properly married, and by breaking the Sabbath by going

to market or drinking and dancing on Sundays.” 18 However, “There were no doubt,

individual missionaries who in defiance of their instructions openly sided with the slaves and,

perhaps, spoke and acted in ways likely to inflame slave resistance.” 19

16
Greenwood, Robert. A Sketchmap History of the Caribbean, p79
17
Ibid
18
Claypole, William and Robottom, John, Caribbean History: Foundations Book 1, p164
19
Hall, Douglas,The Caribbean Experience. An Historical Survey 1450-1960, p66

8
Lots of person spoke out against the injustices meted out to the enslaved Africans or the

inhumanity of slavery, however, not all of them were missionaries. Persons such as Thomas

Clarkson who interviewed a sailor who once worked on a Slaver, were instrumental in the

abolition of the Slave Trade. In his book Essay on the Slave Trade recounted the experience

of the enslaved Africans as reported by the former sailor.

“The misery which the slaves endure in consequence of too close a stowage is not easy to

describe. I have heard them frequently complaining of heat, and have seen them fainting,

almost dying for want of water. Their situation is worse in rainy weather. We do

everything for them in our power. In all the vessels in which I have sailed in the slave

trade, we never covered the gratings with a tarpawling, but made a tarpawling awning over

the booms, but some were still panting for breath.” 20

Clarkson’s book sparked interest among anti-slavery activists to investigate the horrors of

the Middle Passage. This investigation revealed valuable information that was in turn used as

evidence by the anti-slavery activists in the fight against slavery. It is believed by Historians

that the first religious group to speak out against slavery was the Quakers. This group is

rumoured to have pushed campaigns under the theme ‘All men were born equal and viewed

as equals before God.’ Other anti-slavery activists were persons such as Josiah Wedgewood

and William Cowper who used his poems “The Task” and “The Negros Complaint” to appeal

to the humanity of the reader, by describing in living colour the misery and inhumanity meted

out to the enslaved Africans. Josiah Wedgewood is known for his cameo depicting a kneeling

slave in chains with the caption “AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER?” Figure1 is a

replica of said cameo.

20
Taylor-Kanarick. Caribbean History. Core Course for CSEC, p176

9
A great many History books have belayed the role played by male abolitionists in dismantling

slavery. However, a great a number of women also contributed, women like Elizabeth

Heyrick, Mary Lloyd, Sarah Wedgewood, Sophia Sturge and Lucy Townsend. “From the

inception, the women were more radical in their approach to the question of slavery than

were the men.” 21Although women were mainly excluded from leadership, when the

Abolition act had passed these women decided to form a group by the name of

“…….Birmingham Ladies Society for the Relief of Negro Slaves (later the group changed its

name to the Female Society for Birmingham).”22 The Female Abolitionists main aim was to

push for the immediate end of slavery in British colonies as opposed to the gradual abolition.

As such, “In 1824, Elizabeth Heyrick published her pamphlet, “Immediate not Gradual

Abolition” in which she argued passionately in favour of the immediate emancipation of the

slaves in the British Colonies.” 23The women would go around handing out pamphlets,

Newspapers and cameos in order to convey their message to the general public. They also

utilized the pulpits in order to bring across the message that slavery was an evil institution in

which the enslaved Africans were treated harshly. No one can deny the fact that abolitionist

contributed to the abolition of slavery whether directly or indirectly.

21
Taylor-Kanarick, Elizabeth Dr. Caribbean History. Core Course for CSEC, p181.
22
Ibid
23
Ibid

10
 Economic Factors which Led To the End of Slavery

During the mid-17th century, tobacco was replaced by the dominant sugar cane. This caused

importation of Enslaved Africans. However, by late 1800’s the profitable crop became a

burden on Britain, thus leading to the end of slavery. “Slavery was uneconomic as provisions

had to be made for the control of the slaves. They were more expensive than employed free

labourers.”24

Slaves became more expensive than employed free labourers did to the fact that “investment

on slaves became a waste when they died in large numbers from diseases such as measles,

lock jaws and worms.”25 There were also deaths amongst the British sailors on their way

throw the middle passage more than those of the enslaved Africans which caused the British

government to reconsider the slave trade. Due to this less slaves were imported and they

earned more money from customs and taxes.

The West Indies became unimportant to the British government because they could now

afford sugar at a cheaper rate and better quality in other places such as Brazil and Cuba.

24
Hamilton-Willie, Doris, Lest You Forget Movements Towards Emancipation, p13
25
Ibid

11
 Conclusion

The Haitian Revolution was the main revolt which was known to bring about mass murder

and violence, however, there were also a few other revolts such as the Demerara Rebellion

and the Christmas revolt, which helped to push for the abolition of slavery. Each of these

revolts had great leaders such as Toussaint L’ Ouverture who was a born slave, ensured that

the enslaved Africans were well equipped during the Haitian Revolution. Then there was

Bussa who was leader of the Barbados Revolt; Quamina, John Wray and John Smith leaders

of the Demerara Revolt and Samuel Sharpe who was the leader of the Christmas Rebellion.

They all helped in the fight for freedom.

Although revolts by the enslaved Africans led to the immediate as opposed to the gradual

abolition of slavery, missionaries both male and female played an intricate role in the

abolition movement. Missionaries the pulpits on Sunday mornings to preach against slavery,

additionally they utilized the media to bring to the fore front the horrors of slavery thus

pushing forward the antislavery movement.

Along with enslaved Africans rebelling and missionaries pushing for immediate abolition,

planters in British territories also faced economic factors. Economic factors such as the death

of British sailors, British export increased due to Abolition of slavery and enslaved Africans

died in large groups due to diseases. With revolts, missionaries and economic factors, the

enslaved Africans were able to get immediate freedom and not gradual.

12
 Bibliography

Baldeosingh, Kevin and Radica Mahase. Caribbean History for CSEC .United Kingdom:

Oxford University Press, 2011.

Claypole, William and John Robottom. Caribbean History: Foundations. Book. England:

Pearson Education Limited, 2009.

Greenwood, Robert. A Sketchmap History of the Caribbean. Oxford: Macmillan Education

Ltd, 1991.

Greenwood, R. and S. Hamber. Emancipation to Emigration. Book 2. Education LTD, 1980.

Hall, Douglas. The Caribbean Experience. A Historical Survey 1450-1960. Kingston:

Heinemann Educational Books (Caribbean), 1982.

Honychurch, Lennox. Caribbean People. Third Edition. United Kingdom: Oxford University

Press, 1995.

Parry, J H, Philip Sherlock and Anthony Maingot. A Short History of the West Indies Fourth

Edition. London: Macmillan Publishers Ltd, 1987.

Taylor-Kanarick, Elizabeth Dr Caribbean History Core Course. Trinidad: Caribbean

Educational Publishers, 2009.

13