“The abolitionist movement was the major factor in the decline of the Atlantic Slave trade.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the decline of the Atlantic Slave trade was largely caused by the abolitionist movement. Candidates may refer to the role played by abolitionists such as Wilberforce, Clarkson and Sharpe and the impact of anti-slavery protests in countries such as Britain may also be addressed. The British Abolition of Slavery Act (1833) aimed to bring the slave trade to an end in most parts of the British Empire and this had an impact on the Atlantic slave trade. While other relevant factors, for example economic developments that reduced reliance on slave plantations in the West Indies and the Berlin Act (1885), which agreed that all nations involved in the scramble for Africa would assist in the suppression of slavery, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.