Year 9 - History
Abolitionist movements in Britain
The Haitian Revolution: what was its role in the abolition of the slave trade?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the causes and conduct of the Haitian Revolution before reflecting on its role in the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain British campaigns for abolition of slavery and the Haitian Revolution's role in strengthening these movements.
Key Notes
- In 1772 it was established that slavery went against English law and many people felt uneasy about Britain's role in it.
- People in Britain began to criticise the conditions on slave ships across the 'Middle Passage' to the Americas.
- The case of the Zong Massacre created public outrage in Britain at the conditions in which enslaved people were living.
- Groups and individuals such as Olaudah Equiano and William Wilberforce worked for abolition in Britain and its colonies.
- The Haitian Revolution created fear amongst British plantation owners about similar uprisings across the Caribbean.
Vocabulary To Learn
- habeas corpus: English law declaring detention or imprisonment as illegal if you have not committed a crime
- massacre: when many people are killed purposely in a violent manner
- abolition: the outlawing of enslavement by a particular country
- intolerable: being unable to bear an experience any longer
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Abolition of slavery in Britain and its colonies was a response to a single event.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In 1772 it was established that slavery went against English law and many people felt uneasy about Britain's role in it. People in Britain began to criticise the conditions on slave ships across the 'Middle Passage' to the Americas.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'habeas corpus'
English law declaring detention or imprisonment as illegal if you have not committed a crime.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Abolition of slavery in Britain and its colonies was a response to a single event. Correction: Abolition of slavery in Britain and its colonies was a response to a number of events and an ever-growing public demand for change.
More Lessons In This Unit
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