Introduction to Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild

The introduction of Adam Hochschild’s novel Bury the Chains details an gathering that took place in London over 200 years ago at 2 George Yard, yet is forgotten about today. This event was the beginning to the abolition of all types of slavery. The author explains that over ¾ of the population was in some type of slavery or bondage by the end of the 18th century. This was a result of slave trading being a widely used and legitimate form of business. Thomas Clarkson is introduced as the man responsible for the gathering at George Yard and known for traveling thousands of miles to preach his cause. John Newton is another character who was a slave ship captain, yet was a religious man. Olaudah Equiano is a slave who earned his freedom in this novel and was man who influenced many people to support the anti-slavery movement. Granville Sharp successfully returned African from being returned to slavery in the Americas. James Stephen escaped from London to the West Indies and witnessed the mistreatment of slaves. Hochschild continues to state that this movement that involved the aforementioned men was the first time in history that people became outraged over someone else’s rights. Today we are accustomed to people starting organizations to protest or boycott an event or substance; however, back in the 18th century this notion was unprecedented and thus very important. The introduction ends with a quote from Margaret Mead saying that one should “never doubt that a small group…can change the world”