Chapter 6- Moral Steam Engine

In Chapter 6 of Hochschild’s Bury the Chains the biggest step for the antislavery movement occurs in 1783. Hochschild uses the analogy that abolishing slavery would be as difficult as convincing the world to stop using cars because of the harm it causes. Abolishing slavery at the time was viewed as an impossible dream. Thomas Clarkson’s essay was very influential for the movement and was the key peace of persuasive literature. With the help of 11 others, Clarkson was able to print his award winning essay and mass produce it for the public. His essay evolved as he learned more about the slave trade including traveling on the ships to get first hand information. Clarkson saw that those involved in the slave trade were so convinced that the Africans were born into slavery because of their skin color; that is was God’s plan. Clarkson influenced everyone he could, and eventually he and 11 others were able to print and finalize the essay at George Yard. The problem at the end of the chapter was that it is difficult to persuade legislation because 19 out of every 20 Britons couldn’t vote.

This chapter was interesting in that the evolution of planning and implementation of the persuasive literature was revealed. Clarkson initially wrote an essay to win an award, but upon further research he learned of the true life of slaves. Hochschild comments that this type of campaign was unprecedented. Clarkson was a true visionary; he was not only able to convince those against slavery but he even got them to join his cause. It was also interesting that the working conditions at George Yard were similar to that of a slave. The printing shop was unsanitary and the men all worked long hours. To truly understand a person’s struggle one must walk a mile in another’s shoes. The quote that I think brings up an interesting discussion is that of Aristotle, “humanity is divided into two: the masters and slaves”. Though thousands of years old how is it that this held true for so long, but then in a few short years that whole idea was abolished? Is it truly abolished today?