A new scholarly examination highlights the profound and lasting influence of Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade on the country’s economic and social development. The research, led by historian William Pettigrew, traces the connections between the slave trade and key moments in British history, emphasizing how deeply intertwined the slave economy was with the nation’s emergence as a global power.

Since 2021, Pettigrew has coordinated a team of academics working to identify about 13,000 investors who financed the trafficking of roughly 3.3 million enslaved Africans by British ships, approximately half of whom died during the transatlantic journey. The trade, which began in the 1560s, involved a network of merchants, naval officers, and state officials based primarily in London’s financial district. Pettigrew’s work illustrates how the profits from slavery were invested in infrastructure projects such as docks and canals, which contributed to Britain’s industrial growth and global influence.

Significant historical events traditionally viewed in isolation are reframed in this analysis as closely linked to the slave trade. These include the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the rebuilding of London following the Great Fire of 1666, and the 1707 political union between England and Scotland. Additionally, philanthropy funded by slave-generated wealth supported hospitals and charitable institutions, which modestly improved public health during this period.

Pettigrew’s account deliberately avoids contemporary political controversies or cultural debates, acknowledging minimal reference to recent incidents such as the removal of Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol or investigations into slavery’s legacy by heritage organizations. The narrative instead focuses on the complexity of the historical actors involved, rejecting simplistic portrayals of the slave traders solely as villains, and recognizing their role in shaping British society and economic progress.

The book also touches on how commercial imperatives influenced early medical treatments. For instance, efforts to combat smallpox were driven in part by the need to preserve the health of enslaved people, highlighting the brutal economic calculus underlying medical advancements. Pettigrew argues that any discussion of economic growth in this era must confront the dehumanizing impact endured by Africans.

The ongoing debate about Britain’s connection to its imperial past remains contentious. Recent political statements, such as those from the Reform party expressing opposition to slavery reparations claims and public figures declaring fatigue with the subject, contrast with renewed academic interest that insists the discussion is far from over. Pettigrew’s research underscores that understanding Britain’s history requires confronting the extensive and enduring legacy of the slave trade.