Question

When William Wilberforce and the abolitionists began their fight against the slave trade in Britain, how much of Britain’s economy was dependent upon the slave trade?

Answer 1

Correct answer:

one-tenth

A historian, Eric Williams, in the 1940s argued that the abolition was not motivated by humanism but by the economy, as there was a sharp entry of the sugar industry. Since only 10% of the economy was sustained by slavery, this percentage did not represent a major change in the economy in general.

Answer 2

Not much, really. The slaves didn't make the major good. And the plantations didn't even add up to 5% of the total profit in Britain's economy.