Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild - 4 stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves by Adam Hochschild - 4* - My Review

Fascinating history of the events that led to the abolition of slavery in Great Britain and its colonies. England profited from the sugar trade, which was dependent upon slaves to harvest and process it. Starting in the late 18th century, a group of twelve Englishmen, mostly of Anglican and Quaker background, determined that they must find a way to end this unjust and abhorrent practice.

I learned about people I had not known much about beforehand, such as Thomas Clarkson, who traveled to many places of the world gathering evidence to use in convincing people to eliminate slavery, as well as raising funds. We learn about the memoir of former slave, Olaudah Equiano, and its popularity among the British public. Equiano became a charismatic speaker for the anti-slavery movement. They convinced William Wilberforce to become their advocate to Parliament. Women played important roles even though they had no political power.

It explains the methods employed to bring attention to the abolitionist movement, many of which are still practiced today – boycotts of products (such as sugar), petitions, public gatherings, dissemination of information through many channels (books, posters, newspapers, speeches), and lobbying. The author writes in a chronological, straight-forward manner, and it is easy to follow. It is a portrayal of social justice in action.