Slave Trade Act 1807 abolishes the British slave trade

Background. The act was an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom prohibiting the Atlantic slave trade. It did not automatically emancipate those enslaved at the time but encouraged British action to press other nations to abolish their trades. The bill was introduced in January 1807 and went to the House of Commons on 10 February.

Legislative Process. Abolitionist groups had a sizeable faction in Parliament by 1807. On 23 February 1807, twenty years after his first crusade, William Wilberforce and his team achieved victory. The bill received royal assent from King George III on 25 March 1807, taking effect on 1 May.

International Context. Britain gained moral high ground against France, which had reintroduced slavery in 1802. Following the act, Britain used diplomatic influence to pressure other nations. The United States adopted its Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves in March 1807, the same month as the British action.