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Chapter 3 · A long and illustrious history

Life in the UK test questions on the slave trade and its abolition

British ships carried enslaved people from West Africa to the Americas, and the trade made ports such as Bristol and Liverpool wealthy. The Quakers set up the first anti-slavery groups, and William Wilberforce led the campaign in Parliament. The slave trade was abolished in 1807 and slavery itself was abolished across the British Empire in 1833.

Below are 4 free questions on the slave trade and its abolition, taken from handbook section 3.14. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

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Questions and answers on the slave trade and its abolition

The same 4 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. Where were enslaved people taken from in the transatlantic slave trade?

    • China
    • Eastern Europe
    • West Africa — correct answer
    • India

    Enslaved people were taken from West Africa and shipped across the Atlantic. The voyage was brutal and many died on the way. Handbook section 3.14.

  2. 2. What work were enslaved people forced to do in the Americas?

    • Serve in the Royal Navy
    • Build canals in England
    • Work on sugar and tobacco plantations — correct answer
    • Work in British coal mines

    Enslaved people were forced to work on plantations growing sugar and tobacco. The profits flowed back to Britain. Handbook section 3.14.

  3. 3. Who led the campaign in Parliament against the slave trade?

    • Isambard Kingdom Brunel
    • William Wilberforce — correct answer
    • Robert Walpole
    • Adam Smith

    William Wilberforce was an MP and evangelical Christian who led the campaign in Parliament against the slave trade. Handbook section 3.14.

  4. 4. What did the Emancipation Act of 1833 do?

    • It abolished slavery throughout the British Empire — correct answer
    • It banned the trading of slaves only
    • It gave enslaved people the vote
    • It ended the East India Company

    The Emancipation Act of 1833 abolished slavery throughout the British Empire, not just the trade in enslaved people. Handbook section 3.14.

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