The Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade and for the Civilization of Africa was an organisation set up in London in June 1839 to oppose the slave trade.[1] Fowell Buxton was the principal person behind its establishment. Slavery had been abolished in 1833 throughout the British Empire.
Objects
The objects of the society were:[2]
- . "To make the Africans acquainted with the inexhaustible riches of their own soil, and sedulously to direct their attention to its cultivation on a system of free labour. To convince them, moreover, of the immeasurable superiority of agriculture and innocent commerce, even in point of profit, over the Slave Trade which excludes them."
- . "To instruct the natives in Agriculture and practical Science; to cultivate small portions of land as models for their imitation; distribute agricultural implements, seeds, plants, &c.; introduce local and other improvements; and suggest and facilitate the means of beneficially exchanging the produce of Africa for the manufactures of Europe."
- . "To examine the principal languages of Africa, and reduce them where advisable to a written form."
- . "To investigate the diseases, climate, and local peculiarities of Africa, for the benefit as well of natives, as of foreign residents and travellers; to send out medicines and practitioners; and thus to separate the practice of Medicine from the horrid superstitions now connected with it."
- . "To co-operate by every means in its power with the Government Expedition to the Niger; to report its progress—assist its operations—circulate the valuable information it may communicate; and, generally, to keep alive the interest of Great Britain in the suppression of the Slave Trade, and the welfare of Africa."
See also
References
- ^ Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade and for the Civilization of Africa : instituted June, 1839. London: Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade and for the Civilization of Africa. 1840.