Squadron Ending the African Slave Trade: A History of the West Africa Squadron

The West Africa Squadron was a British naval force that operated off the coast of West Africa from the early 19th century to the late 19th century. The squadron's primary mission was to suppress the transatlantic slave trade. This article provides a history of the squadron, its operations, and its impact on the slave trade.

Squadron: Ending the African Slave Trade

by John Broich

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Origins of the West Africa Squadron

The West Africa Squadron was established in 1808, following the passage of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act by the British Parliament. The act made it illegal for British subjects to participate in the slave trade. The squadron was tasked with enforcing the act and preventing slave ships from leaving West African ports.

The squadron was initially small, consisting of just a few ships. However, it gradually grew in size over the years. By the mid-19th century, the squadron had over 100 ships and 2,000 men. The squadron's ships were typically armed with cannons and small arms. They were also equipped with searchlights and other equipment to help them spot slave ships in the darkness.

Operations of the West Africa Squadron

The West Africa Squadron operated along the entire coast of West Africa, from Senegal in the north to Angola in the south. The squadron's ships patrolled the coast, looking for slave ships. When they found a slave ship, they would chase it down and try to capture it. If they were successful, they would take the slave ship to a British port, where the slaves would be freed and the crew would be tried for piracy.

The West Africa Squadron also worked to suppress the slave trade on land. The squadron's ships would often land parties of marines to raid slave factories and free slaves. The squadron also worked with local African leaders to discourage them from participating in the slave trade.

Impact of the West Africa Squadron

The West Africa Squadron had a significant impact on the transatlantic slave trade. The squadron's patrols made it much more difficult for slave traders to operate. As a result, the number of slaves shipped from West Africa declined dramatically. The squadron also helped to raise awareness of the horrors of the slave trade and to build support for abolition.

The West Africa Squadron was not without its critics. Some people argued that the squadron was too expensive and that it was not effective in suppressing the slave trade. Others argued that the squadron's patrols were too harsh and that they caused unnecessary suffering for innocent Africans. Despite these criticisms, the West Africa Squadron remained in operation until the late 19th century. By that time, the slave trade had been largely abolished.

Legacy of the West Africa Squadron

The West Africa Squadron played a significant role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The squadron's patrols and raids made it much more difficult for slave traders to operate. The squadron also helped to raise awareness of the horrors of the slave trade and to build support for abolition.

The legacy of the West Africa Squadron is complex. The squadron was a powerful force for good, but it also caused suffering for innocent Africans. However, there is no doubt that the squadron played a significant role in the abolition of the slave trade.

The West Africa Squadron was a British naval force that operated off the coast of West Africa from the early 19th century to the late 19th century. The squadron's primary mission was to suppress the transatlantic slave trade. The squadron's patrols and raids made it much more difficult for slave traders to operate. The squadron also helped to raise awareness of the horrors of the slave trade and to build support for abolition. The West Africa Squadron played a significant role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Source: National Maritime Museum, London

Squadron: Ending the African Slave Trade

by John Broich

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7746 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE