Slavery, social death and imperialism: the formation of a Christian black élite in the West Indies, 1800–1845

Slavery constitutes an original imperialism whose roots grew, twisted and warped, long before the pious and patriotic clamouring heard at Exeter Hall, before the map was painted red, and before the jingoism, anthems and flag-waving that accompanied the late Victorian age. If imperialism is, as A. P. Thornton states, ‘the image of dominance, of power asserted’ – an attitude towards the world founded on a moral relationship of power and powerlessness – slavery is the archetype for all subsequent forms of imperialism. ¹ Slavery, the ultimate colonisation of individuals, is the most potent means by which the powerless are kept subordinate.