The Abolishment Of Slavery In The Gold Coast Of Africa

During the 19th century, much of Africa had been occupied by the British Empire. Society was changing and becoming more open to the abolishment of the slave trade. As the slave trade ended, the British still controlled many locations within Africa and established colonies. The British imposed their customs to try to “civilize” the Africans. For some Africans slavery still existed in areas not occupied by the British. Adult male slaves found it easier to liberate themselves. Many ran away from their masters, went to courts, or escaped to free locations the British controlled. This left African women as easy targets for slave holders. Women were being captured and sold into slavery after the British announced it was illegal. These women would …show more content…
However, the Asante kings were defeated by the British in 1876. The British controlled of the Gold Coast and divided it into a small coastal strip known as the Colony. They gained control over local trade that involved gold and enslaved humans. However, in 1874 they decided to abolish slavery in the Gold Coast. Africans were free within their society, but they were still subordinate to the British. The traditional way of life for many Africans involved working in the extraction of natural resources. Africans in this society focused on trade and the production of palm oil. Palm oil was a huge resource in demand used for machine lubricant and production of soap. The demand for labors to harvest palm oil grew, so in 1874 a large number of children were imported into the colony as workers. Children were less likely to run away or seek their freedom in the British’s courts. Children, especially girls, were described by many owners because they could not leave easily, but also found it difficult to go to court (Getz and Clarke 101-103). Men, women, and children experienced the British altering their lives with their customs and practices. This was the traditional way of life Abina and her people experienced within this …show more content…
European countries such as Belgium, Great Britain, and many others were scrambling to claim new colonies in Africa. The main purpose was for the extraction of raw materials. Many of these raw materials were carried out by young people such as Abina, who were employed by one of her masters to carry palm oil or other industrial raw materials to the coast. Many Western European countries felt superior to their ideals and culture and believed the ideas from elsewhere were inferior. This cockiness the Europeans had resulted from the creation of hierarchies and segregation of peoples, genders, cultures, and ideas. The Europeans imposed Western ideals of gender, race, and culture upon the colonized. The Europeans placed themselves on top of the hierarchy and made sure the colonized Africans knew they were in charge. The court case with Abina is a perfect example of this hierarchy. William Melton was a white British judge who was in charge of the courtroom and how it functioned. The language and power of the courtroom were centered on Melton’s and the lawyers’ questions they asked Abina. Brew has embraced his own pathway within the society controlled by the British. Davis appears to have truly believed in the ideas of British justice and civilization. Quamina Eddoo’s liked the courtroom because it favored his authority and power. These men all