How important was the growth in humanitarianism in the abolition of the slave trade?

Driving force behind the first thought of abolition

Came about from the Enlightenment:

1739 - Foundling Hospital

Quakers:

• Took up the abolition cause - everyone was equal in the eyes of God
• June 1783 - London Yearly Meeting - presented a petition to government signed by 273 people
• Set up a 23-person committee to actively campaign for abolition
• 1784 - 10,000 copies of their pamphlet were distributed to MPs, royal family and general public
• Brought attention to abolition and motivated others to challenge the slave trade
• Moral crusade which quickly found supporters
• In Britain it was still fashionable to have black servants even though slavery was abolished in 1772
• 1785 - inspired other religious groups to get involved

Evangelical Christians:

• Sharp and Clarkson were prominant activists 
• Sharp was a veteran campaigner
• Clarkson was inspired by his essay that he published in 1786 - became very influential
• They used public speaking to spread the message
• Clarkson enouraged Wilberforce to join…