The Abolitionist Movement

Amazing Grace The true story of heroes and

their quest to overcome injustice.

Models of Civic Virtue

The Slave Trade "By the late 18th century, over 11 million African men, women, and children had been taken from Africa to be used as slaves in the West Indies and the American colonies. Great Britain was the mightiest superpower on earth and its empire was built on the backs of slaves. The slave trade was considered acceptable by all but a FEW" (Amazing Grace).

Important People:

William Wilburforce Thomas Clarkson

Olaudah Equiano William Pitt, the Younger

Hannah More Lord Charles Fox

Duke of Clarence Barbara Spooner

Lord Tarleton

Scenes 1. England, 1797 2. Entirely Unmarried 3. Yorkshire Terrier 4. Raising the Stakes 5. Planning the Impossible 6. With His Own Eyes 7. 20,000 Ghosts 8. Chosen 9. Something to Disagree On 10. A Day Like No Other 11. First Step 12. Smell of Death

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13. Voice of the People

14. Two Pistols

15. Out of the Bottle

16. Different Times

17. After Night Comes Day

18. But Now I'm Found

19. Confession

20. A New Strategy

21. Blindsided

22. An Open Door

23. It Is No More

24. The Pipers Play

Olaudah Equiano & William Wilburforce

Lord Fox Lord Tarleton

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Day 1 Guiding Questions scenes 1-6 1. In the opening scene, William Wilburforce stops during a storm to stop the abuse of a downed horse. What does Wilburforce's words and deeds tell you about his character?

2. In the scene, Raising the Stakes, a British MP (Duke of Clarence), asks Wilburforce to take "payment in kind" (coach driver) during a card game. Why does Wilburforce leave the game?

3. Why did Clarkson feel it necessary to demonstrate for Wilburforce how the devices used on slaves worked? What was his goal?

4. According to Equiano, slave traders "put irons to the fire." Explain why.

DUKE of Clarence, son of King George III

Thomas Clarkson

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5. Wilburforce visits his preacher, John Newton. John explains that he has to "live in the company of 20,000 ghosts." What does Newton mean?

6. In Scene 8, Wilburforce's friend writes about the atrocities of slavery on sugar plantations. He states that children are "scalded to death." Why is Wilburforce haunted by these images?

7. After a dinner party, Barbara Spooner tells Wilburforce, "If there is a bad taste in your mouth, you don't swallow it ,you spit it out." Explain what Spooner meant by this statement.

8. Why is Wilburforce's relationship with Barbara Spooner significant to the Abolitionist Movement?

Day 2 Guiding Questions

Scenes 7-12

Barbara Spooner

John Newton & William Wilburforce

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DAY 3 GUIDING QUESTIONS

Scenes 13-20

9. Equiano shows Wilburforce the horrors of the slave ships. Consequently, on board the Madascar, Wilburforce directs British MPs to take in the "smell of death, slow, painful death." How were Wilburforce's persuasive tactics similar to Thomas Clarkson's tactics of persuasion used on Wilburforce in Scene 6, With His Own Eyes?

10. Who was Barbara Spooner's hero at age 14?

11. Why is it important to have heroes at your age?

12. In scene 13, The Voice of the People, what form of resistance does Wilburforce use in Parliament?

13. In scene 16, Different Times, Olaudah Equiano is in a church. Why is he crying?

14. Barbara Spooner tells Wilburforce, "after night comes day." This quote refers to the multiple obstacles he experienced in his fight to abolish the slave trade. List 1 obstacle and how Wilburforce persisted.

William Pitt, the Younger & Wilburforce