Privy Council Committee for Trade and Plantations reports on the slave trade. Abolition is raised in Parliament. First slave carrying act, the Dolben Act of 1788, regulates the slave trade. Mass propaganda campaigns begin. Wilberforce introduces resolutions on the slave trade in Parliament.
Commons agrees to hear evidence.
The Dolben act is now renewed anually. Select Committee of Commons hears testimony on the slave trade. Commons rejects Wilberforce's first abolition motion. Commons approves a charter for Sierra Leone, its company pledged to oppose the slave trade in Africa. Massive slave uprising on St. Domingue.