Ryden challenges conventional wisdom regarding the political and economic motivations behind the final decision to abolish the British slave trade in 1807. His research illustrates that a faltering sugar economy after 1799 tipped the scales in favour of the abolitionist argument and helped secure the passage of abolition.

Elizabeth Heyrick (1769-1831) and Alexander McDonnell (1794-1875) held opposing views on slavery in the British colonies at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Published in 1824 and 1827 respectively, these pamphlets remain key documents in the context of post-colonial debates.