How did abolitionist movements differ between colonial powers?

Abolitionist movements differed between colonial powers based on their economic interests, religious beliefs, and political ideologies.

In Britain, the abolitionist movement was largely driven by religious and moral convictions. The Quakers, a religious group known for their pacifism and social activism, were among the first to publicly condemn slavery in the late 17th century. By the late 18th century, the movement had gained significant momentum, with figures like William Wilberforce leading the charge. The British abolitionist movement was also influenced by economic factors. The Industrial Revolution had shifted Britain's economic focus from agriculture (which relied heavily on slave labour) to industry. This made the abolition of slavery a more economically viable option for Britain. In 1807, the British Parliament passed the Slave Trade Act, which prohibited the slave trade in the British Empire. This was followed by the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, which ended slavery in most parts of the empire.

In contrast, the abolitionist movement in France was more politically driven. The French Revolution, with its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, provided a powerful impetus for the abolition of slavery. However, the economic interests of the French colonial powers, particularly in the Caribbean sugar colonies, often clashed with these ideals. The first French abolitionist law was passed in 1794, but it was repealed in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to protect the interests of the French sugar planters. It was not until 1848 that France finally abolished slavery, largely due to the efforts of Victor Schoelcher, a politician and staunch abolitionist.

In Spain and Portugal, the abolitionist movements were slower to gain traction. Both countries had extensive colonial empires that relied heavily on slave labour. The Catholic Church, which had significant influence in both countries, was also ambivalent about slavery. While some clergy condemned it, others justified it on the grounds of converting Africans to Christianity. Spain did not abolish slavery in its colonies until 1886, while Portugal was the last European colonial power to do so in 1869.

In summary, the abolitionist movements in different colonial powers were shaped by a complex interplay of economic, religious, and political factors. These differences resulted in varying timelines and approaches to the abolition of slavery.