How were so many Africans enslaved? Source 3

A description of 'village-breaking'. Taken from William Wilberforce, A Letter on the Abolition of the Slave Trade, addressed to the freeholders and other inhabitants of Yorkshire, London, 1807.

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Your task in this case study is to investigate the main methods by which Africans were enslaved. All the sources have been chosen to help your investigation. Once you have read this source, try to record some of your thoughts on the worksheet.

Things to consider...

According to Wilberforce which groups practice 'village-breaking'?

Who does Wilberforce accuse of being the main perpetrators?

Do you think that this technique would be a successful way of capturing people? Why? Are there any disadvantages?

Is there any significance to the date of this source? What might Wilberforce be trying to do?