1788: A small group of French humanitarians founded the Société des Amis des Noirs in 1788, drawing inspiration from the British abolition movement.

1788: A small group of French humanitarians founded the Société des Amis des Noirs in 1788, drawing inspiration from the British abolition movement. Modeled after the London Committee, the society utilized the writings of its members to create support for the cause of antislavery. While it did not wield the same level of political influence as the pro-slavery Club Massiac, its published ideas were considered dangerous by planters. Lobbyists for the colonial interest made the society a constant target for attacks to prevent their message from reaching the islands. The formation of this group signaled a significant expansion of metropolitan scrutiny regarding the ethics of the slave trade.