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Debate Ignites Over Monarchy's Slave Trade Legacy

1/30/2026

42 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Crown's Silence Critique

The Crown’s Silence critique argues the book presents a biased view of the monarchy’s slave-trade involvement.
It contends the author overlooks African chieftains’ roles and applies modern moral standards to history.
The critique states past monarchs endorsed slavery, but the current King has no reason to apologize.
The discussion reflects a broader debate on historical accountability and interpreting past actions today.

Left

Cugoano's Abolition Advocacy

Quobna Ottobah Cugoano, a free Black Londoner and formerly enslaved, sent pamphlets to George, Prince of Wales in 1786 urging abolition.
He used his position as a domestic servant to reach the elite and press for action.
He later published Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery, the first anti-slavery treatise by a formerly enslaved African in Britain.
The monarchy remained silent, missing a chance for moral leadership.

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Crown's Silence Critique

The Crown’s Silence critique argues the book presents a biased view of the monarchy’s slave-trade involvement.
It contends the author overlooks African chieftains’ roles and applies modern moral standards to history.
The critique states past monarchs endorsed slavery, but the current King has no reason to apologize.
The discussion reflects a broader debate on historical accountability and interpreting past actions today.

1 / 2