Amelioration Programme Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and historical facts related to the Amelioration Programme and its impact on enslaved people.

Amelioration

The act of making something better; improvement.

Amelioration Programme

A series of proposals aimed at improving the conditions of enslaved people in the British Crown colonies from 1823 to 1830.

Abolition of the Slave Trade

The act of officially ending the slave trade, which occurred in 1807.

Thomas Buxton

The abolitionist leader who pressured British Parliament to introduce amelioration proposals.

Crown Colonies

Colonies governed directly by the British Parliament without local assemblies, affecting how laws, including amelioration proposals, were implemented.

Orders in Council

Laws made by the British Parliament that were sent to Crown Colonies for automatic implementation.

Corporal Punishment

Physical punishment, which was restricted under the amelioration proposals.

Manumission

The process by which enslaved individuals could purchase their freedom.

Enslaved Evidence

Testimony from enslaved individuals accepted in court if a religious minister certified their understanding of an oath.

Dead Letter

A law that is on the books but not enforced or followed.

Constitutional Rights

Rights that planters claimed were violated by the amelioration proposals, as they believed only local Assemblies had the authority to make laws for enslaved people.

Property Rights

The rights planters asserted over enslaved individuals, treating them as property under the law.

Religious Instruction

Encouragement for enslaved individuals to attend religious services, impacting their work hours and congregation.

Assessment of Amelioration

An evaluation of the failure of the amelioration programme due to planter opposition.