Elon Musk claims British Empire ended ‘global slavery’

Elon Musk has sparked controversy by defending Britain’s historical role in the abolition of slavery, as debates over the UK's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade continue. 

Caribbean nations are currently calling for billions of pounds in reparations for Britain’s role in the enslavement of millions. The Tesla CEO caused a stir on social media when he claimed that the British Empire was "the driving force" behind ending global slavery. 

"Slavery or de facto slavery was standard practice throughout the world from the dawn of civilization until a few hundred years ago," Musk stated, adding that the British Empire "did a lot of good" in its efforts to abolish slavery.

While Britain’s involvement in the slave trade began in 1562, it grew to become the world’s leading slave-trading nation by the 1730s. The UK faces continued criticism for its colonial past, with some arguing British colonialism contributed to the deaths of millions in places like India. 

Musk’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate, with activists like Afua Hirsch describing the slave trade as "the greatest manmade human calamity of all time." Historians note that between 1662 and 1807, British ships transported over three million Africans, of whom nearly three million were sold into slavery in the Americas.