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.
Along with other important individuals, Equiano brought more interest to the anti-slavery movement than ever before; allowing more and more European citizens, and later Americans, to join against it. He was able to bring the attention needed to the anti-slavery movement. He published his two-volume set of narratives in 1789, in which he detailed his experiences back in Africa, his kidnapping, and his life of slavery. Once public opinion was swaying towards the anti-slavery movement, it became easier to begin the abolition of slavery. After being separated from his sister, and passed through many different masters, Equiano ended up being purchased by a British naval officer. His purpose was to expose the horrors and sinfulness of the slavery system, and the inhumane treatment and conditions of slaves crossing the Middle Passage. This man brought Equiano along with him during his travels, through Canada, England, and finally back to the West Indies. Educated and respected ex-slaves, and their stories, were essential to the acquisition of public opinion against slavery. His goal was to bring more consciousness to the issue, and later, hopefully, abolish it altogether. his home when he was only a child, and along with his sister, he was sold into slavery and shipped to the Americas. 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. The fact that Equiano established a name for himself enabled him to bring more awareness to the harsh realities of slavery. Many people who were never exposed to slaves could finally see them as actual people, speaking their minds. 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. !Finally, though Equiano became a writer, none of his other works were nearly as successful as his narrative.
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