Who were the prominent advocates for the abolition of slavery in British colonies?

The correct answer is founded in the significant contributions of individuals like Granville Sharp and Thomas Clarkson to the abolitionist movement in British colonies. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these men played crucial roles in advocating against slavery through their activism, writing, and public campaigns. Granville Sharp was instrumental in legal battles that aimed to secure freedom for enslaved individuals in Britain, while Thomas Clarkson collected evidence of the horrors of the slave trade and circulated information that mobilized public opinion against it. Their efforts helped to galvanize a growing movement for abolition, culminating in significant legislative changes, including the eventual abolition of the slave trade in 1807.

In contrast, wealthy landowners typically benefited from the agricultural system that relied on slavery, making them less likely to advocate for abolition. Merchants profiting from the slave trade directly opposed abolition, as it threatened their economic interests. Most European monarchs during this period also had vested interests in maintaining profitable colonies and were not generally aligned with the goals of abolitionists. Thus, the prominence of Sharp and Clarkson is evident in their essential roles as activists who drove the abolitionist movement in Britain.