Equiano's Influence on Slavery
During the 18th century the world was going through many rapid changes. New world powers were emerging such as England, Portugal, and Spain; others were falling, such as China. The whole world seemed to press on the fast-forward button, and many transformations of known society ensued. Slavery was a big part of this new world. Among others, the newly developed colonies in the Caribbean were aimed at various crop production, benefiting their "mother country" financially. Much of the production in these endeavors depended on slave labor. The slave trade was at its peak around this time, with the majority of the slaves sailing from Africa, destined for the Caribbean. Although, in many areas of Western Europe the anti-slavery movement was rising as well, and finally receiving more attention. Though, it was Olaudah Equiano, a young African man, freed through manumission, who had the largest success in bringing attention to the cruelties of slavery.
The fact that Equiano established a name for himself enabled him to bring more awareness to the harsh realities of slavery. The English anti-slavery movement was launched before Equiano was on the scene; though never before had they been able to bring so much attention to their causes, than when Equiano's biography was published. With a slow, but real global halting of the institute of slavery, Equiano's contributions were crucial to helping the masses of western Europe deciding for themselves that slavery was inhumane. Once public opinion was swaying towards the anti-slavery movement, it became easier to begin the abolition of slavery. When thinking about slavery and its gradual decline, it is evident that the substantial steps were taken by Equiano and other like him in his time. Educated and respected ex-slaves, and their stories, were essential to the acquisition of public opinion against slavery. Finally, though Equiano became a writer, none of his other works wer
Some common words found in the essay are:
Middle Passage, Portugal Spain, West Indies, Equiano African, Equiano Educated, Finally Equiano, , Western Europe, anti-slavery movement, slavery equiano's, Canada England, middle passage, western europe, conditions slaves, equiano's biography, able bring attention, bring attention, able bring, public opinion,
Approximate Word count = 662
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
