In 1781, the tragedy of the Zong Massacre resulted in the death of over 130 slaves. The British slave ship that carried the slaves was called the Zong and was in route to Jamaica from Africa. The captain, Luke Collingwood, overloaded his ship with slaves to increase profit. This resulted many things, which caused the death of many slaves before the actual massacre took place. Whether it be sickness, lack of food, or lack of water, many died which resulted in the captain’s decision to throw a significant number of slaves overboard. This massacre lasted over a period of days and near the end, the slaves themselves were throwing themselves over in an act of defiance. It is argued that there was enough water and resources to provide to the slaves, and there was no reason to throw the slaves overboard.

The captain continuously claimed insurance on the slaves, claiming that he was doing it in an effort to save the remaining slaves and crew onboard. A trial took place in 1783, to discuss the matter of insurance. This trial was found in favor of the slavers, yet the insurers sought a second trial and brought the issue to Lord Mansfield, the Chief Justice. Lord Mansfield decided on a retrial because he thought that the captain and the crew of the Zong were at fault. There was never a retrial, and the slavers never got paid or insured for the murder of the slaves. The Zong massacre and the Zong trial were significant influence and spark for the abolitionist movement. An anti-slaver and aboliionist Granville Sharp, used the trial and massacre to help the movement and increase awareness.

Sources:

https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/zong-massacre-1781/

https://journals.openedition.org/1718/1808

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2021/jan/19/the-story-of-the-zong-slave-...

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