Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners

Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners is a groundbreaking and evocative documentary series from BBC Select that aired in 2015. This powerful two-part series is an engaging exploration of Britain's history of slavery, which is often overlooked or underplayed in mainstream discussions of history. Hosted by historian David Olusoga, the series provides a candid look into an underexplored facet of Britain's colonial past as it narrates the haunting tale of Britain's role in the slave trade.

The series begins by establishing the imperative to delve into this forgotten chapter of British history. David Olusoga deftly explores the archives of the UKEAO (United Kingdom Emancipation of Slave Ownership), a record kept by the British government that lists thousands of slave owners in Britain, not only in the colonies but within the UK as well. Making use of this list, Olusoga exposes the shocking revelations about the true scale of Britain's investment in slavery, debunking the widely held notion that Britain was primarily a nation of abolitionists.

In a feat of investigative journalism, Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners pulls the audience into the 1830s, the era when slavery was officially abolished in the United Kingdom. The series places a particular emphasis on Britain’s financial settlement of enslavers following the abolition. It reveals the British government compensated the slave owners for their loss with a colossal sum of £20m, equivalent to £2.4bn in today's money.

The narrative of this compelling series takes a unique angle on the history of British slavery, focusing on the slave owners rather than the enslaved. It shines a light on those who profited most from the vile trade. There's no shying away from the names—not only the big corporations and aristocrats but also ordinary citizens, from clergy to shopkeepers—who benefitted from this inhumane business. It underlines the fact that the proceeds from slavery permeated all strata of society, shattering the simplistic dichotomy of the noble abolitionists versus the greedy traders often presented in history.

In the second part, Olusoga delves into the psyche of slave owners; their justifications and rationalizations for maintaining their role in this appalling institution. Based on copious historical documents, personal letters, and memoirs, the audience is given a stark portrayal of how deeply ingrained the acceptance of slavery was in British society, backed by arguments of financial investments, racial superiority, and even dubious religious explanation.

Where Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners truly succeeds is in demonstrating the profound and far-reaching impacts of British slavery on society. By examining the compensation records, it is revealed how the payments were funneled into various sectors such as finance, infrastructure, and art. In fact, the series makes substantial connections between the compensation money and the emergence of modern Britain, cementing the idea that the slave trade was integral to the economic and cultural development of the UK.

Moreover, Olusoga makes an impassioned argument that the traces of Britain's slavery history cannot be confined to timelines and archives. The series explores how this history has shaped contemporary British culture and racial attitudes and contributes to ongoing issues of racial inequality and division. The personal narratives, vivid imagery, and expert testimonials add a deeply human layer to the historical and political details, sparking a sobering reflection on this dark side of Britain's past.

Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners is remarkable in its ability to reveal an uncomfortable and forgotten chapter of history, forcing us to confront the fact that slavery was once an accepted part of British culture and society. It's revealing, shocking, and deeply important—a must-watch for anyone interested in the roots of modern Britain and the interrelations between the past and present. With meticulous research and empathetic storytelling, David Olusoga draws attention to the crucial stories that are often left untold. The series not only shakes the foundations of our understanding of British history but also fosters a dialogue on the legacy of slavery that still reverberates in society today.