Women Against Slavery

This comprehensive study of women anti-slavery campaigners fills a serious gap in the history of anti-slavery and women. Covering all stages of the anti-slavery campaign, Women Against Slavery uses hitherto neglected sources to build up a vivid picture of the lives, words and actions of the women who were involved. It examines the extent of women's involvement, looks at the type of women who became activists and considers the distinctive contribution that they made to the organization, activities, policy and ideology of the movement. The close links between British and American women, which were central to the transatlantic abolitionist network, are explored. Clare Midgley's discussion moves outwards to analyse the impact that participation had on women's lives: particularly in terms of their social roles, and their attitudes to politics and public life. Exploring the vital role played by gender in shaping the movement as a whole, this book makes an important contribution to the debate on gender and 'race'.