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What was the Zanzibar Treaty’s role in the East African Slave Trade?

The Zanzibar Treaty of 1873 effectively ended the East African Slave Trade by prohibiting the trade in slaves.

The Zanzibar Treaty was a significant milestone in the abolition of the East African Slave Trade. Signed on 5th June 1873 between the British and the Sultan of Zanzibar, the treaty was a result of years of diplomatic negotiations and pressure from anti-slavery campaigners in Britain. The treaty stipulated that the Sultan of Zanzibar would close all slave markets within his dominions, effectively ending the legal trade in slaves in East Africa.

The East African Slave Trade had been a significant part of the region's economy for centuries, with slaves being traded from the interior of Africa to the coast, and then transported to various destinations across the Indian Ocean. The trade was particularly prevalent in Zanzibar, which was a major hub for the trade. The British, who had abolished slavery in their own territories in the early 19th century, were keen to see the trade ended in East Africa as well.

The Zanzibar Treaty was not just a simple agreement to end the trade. It also included provisions for the British to provide a yearly subsidy to the Sultan of Zanzibar to compensate for the loss of revenue from the slave trade. This was a significant factor in persuading the Sultan to agree to the treaty. The treaty also included provisions for the British to provide naval support to enforce the ban on the slave trade.

The treaty had a significant impact on the East African Slave Trade. The closure of the slave markets in Zanzibar and the British naval patrols made it much more difficult for slave traders to operate. However, it did not completely end the trade. Illegal slave trading continued for several years after the treaty was signed, and it took a concerted effort by the British and other powers to finally eradicate the trade.

In conclusion, the Zanzibar Treaty played a crucial role in ending the East African Slave Trade. It marked a significant step forward in the global abolitionist movement, and its impact can still be felt today.

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