Source 3 - Anti-slavery speech

This is an example of a speech against slavery made by Mr Hutt, a political candidate in Kingston upon Hull. The speech was made to two local groups who actively campaigned against slavery: the Society of Friends (Quakers) and the local abolitionist society. William Wilberforce, a former MP for Hull, had been the chief parliamentary advocate for the abolition of the slave trade. Slavery was an important local issue in Hull and a political candidate had to gain the support of the local abolitionist community.

By the 1830s, there were many anti-slavery societies all around the country, initially formed by a network of Quakers. Eventually, societies included people of all ages, religious faiths and levels of society. The anti-slavery campaign was one of the first example of mass political participation.

  • The Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade was passed in 1807. Why was there still a need for an abolition movement as late as 1832?
  • What does Mr Hutt say has been going wrong for the abolitionist movement? What is their new aim?
  • What excuses have planters given for the conditions slaves live and work in? What does Hutt say about their arguments?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using this document as a source about the campaign?

Taken from: Poster for anti-slavery speech
Author / Creator: none
Publisher: none
Date: 1832
Copyright: By permission of Wilberforce House Museum, Hull