The slave trade — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The slave trade, part of the A long and illustrious history chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
Which group set up the first formal anti-slavery groups in Britain?
- The reformers
- The Fenians
- The East India Company
- ✓ The Quakers — Correct answer
The Quakers set up the first formal anti-slavery groups in the late 1700s. They also petitioned Parliament to ban the practice.
From where did slaves come primarily?
- North America
- ✓ West Africa — Correct answer
- Scotland
- India
Slaves came primarily from West Africa. They were transported on British ships to America and the Caribbean.
What kind of work did slaves do in the Caribbean?
- They worked in Parliament
- They trained as nurses
- They built the Great Western Railway
- ✓ They worked on tobacco and sugar plantations — Correct answer
In the Caribbean, slaves were made to work on tobacco and sugar plantations.
What happened in 1807?
- ✓ It became illegal to trade slaves in British ships or from British ports — Correct answer
- The first anti-slavery groups were set up by the Quakers
- The Emancipation Act abolished slavery throughout the British Empire
- The Battle of Trafalgar was fought
In 1807, it became illegal to trade slaves in British ships or from British ports. Slavery throughout the British Empire was abolished later, in 1833.
When did it become illegal to trade slaves in British ships or from British ports?
- 1707
- 1833
- 1783
- ✓ 1807 — Correct answer
In 1807, slave trading in British ships or from British ports became illegal. Slavery itself was abolished throughout the British Empire in 1833.
Who helped change public opinion against the slave trade?
- Sake Dean Mahomet
- ✓ William Wilberforce — Correct answer
- George Stephenson
- Captain James Cook
William Wilberforce played an important part in turning public opinion against the slave trade. He worked with other abolitionists to bring about this change.
When did it become illegal to trade slaves in British ships or from British ports?
- 1783
- ✓ 1807 — Correct answer
- 1833
- 1815
Trading slaves in British ships or from British ports became illegal in 1807. Slavery throughout the British Empire was abolished later, in 1833.
Where did slaves primarily come from in the overseas slave trade?
- North America
- Ireland
- ✓ West Africa — Correct answer
- India
In the overseas slave trade, slaves came primarily from West Africa. British ships carried them to America and the Caribbean, where they were forced to work on tobacco and sugar plantations.