Evaluate the role of humanitarian factors in the decline of the East African slave trade.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the role of humanitarian factors in the decline of the East African slave trade, weighing up the importance or otherwise of these factors. Candidates may argue that the decline came from pressure exerted by abolitionists in early nineteenth century Britain, or the decision of the British to abolish the trade across their empire in 1807 and the institution of slavery itself in 1833. They may highlight the role played by Christian missionaries and explorers, such as David Livingstone, and argue that it was the introduction of colonial rule that brought an abrupt end to the trade in many areas. Similarly, humanitarian factors lay behind British Consul John Kirk’s decision to force Sultan Barghash to close the slave market in Zanzibar in 1873, a key development in the decline of the East African slave trade. Other relevant factors may be addressed, such as the falling demand for slaves in the Ottoman Empire, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question on slavery in East Africa was generally not well done. Candidates did not demonstrate adequate knowledge, were confused about the difference between East Africa and the Atlantic slave trade and overlooked a number of key issues relevant to the question.