Those who supported slavery, particularly West Indian planters who had a financial stake in the institution, saw it as Abolitionist propaganda. Those opposed to slavery saw it as a vindication of their beliefs, proof that the enslavement of millions of Africans was a shameful blight on Britain’s reputation as a champion of liberty. Mary’s book sparked much public controversy. Much of what is known about Mary’s life comes from her narrative, The History of Mary Prince, A West Indian Slave, Related by Herself, which was published in 1831 – three years before the Abolition of Slavery Act came into force. Like many other enslaved women, she fought tooth and nail for her right to be free. However, Mary refused to be beaten into submission. The life of Mary Prince, born into slavery in Bermuda in 1788, was fairly typical.Īcross the West Indies, enslaved women were over-worked, flogged and abused on a regular basis.
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