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This course aims to examine in great detail the slave trade and Britain’s role in its suppression after 1807. In doing so it aims to give students the opportunity to investigate in greater depth one key aspect of the Atlantic world and through this to be exposed to current research being undertaken by the course leader. This will in turn challenge them to engage with academic research as it is being undertaking rather than in as passive post-publication environment.

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the contemporary debates around the suppression of slavery.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historiography of anti-slavery 1807-1867.
3. Assess, evaluate and synthesise an appropriate range of historical evidence and argument.
4. Analyse and evaluate original source material relating to the British campaign against the slave trade.
5. Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information; show structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of oral and written expression.

The abolition of the trade in slaves by Britain in 1807 was followed by a series of actions which showed Britain as exerting military and diplomatic pressure to stop the trade in slaves. The establishment, in wartime, of a squadron to patrol off the West African Coast to stop slaving was followed by a concerted diplomatic effort, starting at the Congress of Vienna, to enforce the British position on the trade in slaves. Given that when this effort began Europe was still involved a long war the course will analyse what were the British motivations for this seeming change in policy. The course would expose students to the changing British view of the slave trade and would explore some of the difficulties on high sea enforcing Britain new role as ‘moral’ police force as well as how successful they were in the council chambers of Europe. The course builds on from the level five Atlantic World, 1650-1783 course in which differing of views France Spain and Britain, on slavery and the slave trade are discussed.

The course will be delivered by a combination of lectures, seminars and group work.

Essay: 100% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Word Length: 3000 words.
Outline Details: Research design essay in which students define a research question and outline possible avenue(s) of research.

Formative Assessment: There will be formative exercise built into the two workshops sessions where students will formulate research questions and receive feedback, including peer feedback, to prepare for the summative assessment.