Slow Death for Slavery: The Course of Abolition in Northern Nigeria 1897–1936

by Paul E. Lovejoy , Jan S. Hogendorn

• ISBN13: 9780521447027
• ISBN10: 052144702X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1993-08-27
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book examines the gradual decline of slavery in Northern Nigeria during the first forty years of colonial rule. At the time of the British conquest, the Sokoto Caliphate was one of the largest slave societies in modern history. The authors have written a thoughtful and provocative book which raises doubts over the moral legitimacy of both the Sokoto Caliphate and the colonial state. They chart the development of British colonial policy towards resolving the dilemma of slavery and how to end it.

Table of Contents

List of maps

List of tables

Preface

1. Slavery and the British conquest of Northern Nigeria

2. Fugitive slaves and the crisis in slavery policy

3. The debate on legal-status abolition

4. Emancipation and the law

5. Upholding proprietary rights to land

6. The role of taxation in the reform of slavery

7. The colonial economy and the slaves

8. The persistence of concubinage

9. Legal-status abolition: the final phase

Appendix

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index.