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The West Africa Squadron: Britain's war on slave ships

The West Africa Squadron: Britain's war on slave ships

Mary Wills shares the exploits and issues of the West African Squadron, a British naval taskforce charged with hunting down slave ships

Published: August 5, 2024 at 1:32 PM

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In the early 19th century, a Royal Navy squadron was sent to West Africa to hunt down ships carrying enslaved people to the Americas. The operation was hailed as an act of pure, unselfish philanthropy. Yet, argues this Long Read written by Mary Wills, the reality was far more tangled.

HistoryExtra Long Reads brings you the best articles from BBC History Magazine, direct to your ears. Today’s feature originally appeared in the July 2024 issue, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.