Slavery and the Slave Trade in the 18th Century

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Riti Parekh History 101 September 24 Slavery and the Slave Trade in the 18th century In the 17th and early 18th century slavery was a common factor in life. Slaves were often sold and used throughout Britain and the World. Slavery was the most common form of forced labor in History. Slavery was very bad and wrong. A slave was treated like property and not like a Human Being and owned by other Human Being's. Many people believed Slavery was morally wrong and wanted to do something about it. Granville Sharp was one of the first and greatest campaigners against slavery. He did not manage to abolish the slave trade but still was able to turn the public’s opinion against slavery. He also believed that slavery was sinful and against some religions. He was the prime mover in the abolition of slavery in England. In his article Thomas Thompson is trying to prove “that the African trade for negro slaves is consistent with the principles of humanity and revealed religion”. But Sharp argues that it’s against law of nature, humanity, moral laws and natural Equality. For example Sharp revealed that the Jewish religion which says they should love others as themselves still owned slaves. Hebrews believed in bondservant which meant that they could own the slave and their children forever. Israelites were allowed divorce their wives whenever they pleased due to the Law of Moses. They also had Mosaic Law which permitted the Israelites women who were divorced to marry other men during the lives of their former husbands. As Law of nature we should have good will towards other men, we should love our neighbors as ourselves and
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