theguardian.com
Manchester's Royal Exchange: A History Rooted in Slavery and Colonialism
New research reveals Manchester's Royal Exchange building's deep connections to slavery and colonialism, implicating prominent families like the Gladstones and linking its 19th-century operation to the transatlantic slave trade, opium trade, and exploitation of Indian indentured workers.
- How did the Royal Exchange building in Manchester directly contribute to the transatlantic slave trade and the broader history of global capitalism?
- The Royal Exchange building in Manchester, UK, historically facilitated the enslavement of Africans and exploitation of other colonies, significantly contributing to global capitalism. This is revealed in new research linking its 19th-century subscribers to the slave trade, opium trade, and the exploitation of Indian indentured workers. The building's existence is directly tied to the immense profits generated from these exploitative practices.
- What specific individuals or families are implicated in the research, and how did their actions shape the building's history and Manchester's economic growth?
- The research connects the Royal Exchange's history to specific individuals and families, like the Gladstones and the Arbuthnots, whose wealth derived from slavery and colonial exploitation. Their involvement in the building's financing and operation demonstrates the deep entanglement of Manchester's economic prosperity with global systems of oppression. This reveals how seemingly benign institutions were integral to vast systems of injustice.
- What are the implications of this research for understanding the legacy of slavery and colonialism in contemporary society, and what forms of reparative action might be considered?
- This research challenges the narrative of Manchester's economic success, highlighting the human cost embedded within its development. The findings urge a critical re-evaluation of historical narratives and emphasize the need for reparative actions to address the ongoing impact of slavery and colonialism. The Royal Exchange's current efforts to acknowledge its past represent a step towards reconciliation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the building's role in slavery and colonialism, setting this historical context as the primary focus. While this is important, the framing could be more balanced by equally highlighting the building's current efforts towards reconciliation and addressing its past, such as the Disrvpt programme. The headline itself could be more neutral, avoiding potentially loaded language.
Language Bias
The language used is generally strong and evocative, effectively conveying the severity of the historical injustices. However, some terms like "colossal profits" could be considered slightly loaded. More neutral alternatives might include 'substantial profits' or 'enormous gains'. The overall tone is serious and informative rather than sensationalist.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Royal Exchange building's connection to slavery and colonialism, providing ample detail on the individuals and families involved. However, it could benefit from including perspectives from descendants of those enslaved, offering a more complete picture of the human cost. The article mentions resistance but could explore this in greater depth, providing more examples of enslaved people fighting back against their oppression. Additionally, while it acknowledges the building's current use as a theatre promoting liberation, a more balanced discussion of the complexities of this juxtaposition might be beneficial.
Gender Bias
The article mentions several men who profited from slavery and colonialism. While it includes the story of Jack Gladstone and Sandy, an African prince who rebelled, it could benefit from including more diverse voices and perspectives of women involved, both as victims and potential resisters. More analysis on gender roles within the context of slavery and the cotton trade would provide a richer understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The research and acknowledgment of the Royal Exchange building's role in slavery and colonialism is a crucial step towards acknowledging historical injustices and promoting a more equitable future. The initiative to highlight the stories of enslaved people and their resistance directly addresses the legacies of inequality.