Congress passed the prohibitory statute in 1807, to go into effect January, 1808.

At no time, however, was the prohibition entirely effective, and a limited illegal trade continued until slavery was eventually abolished.

This inefficiency of restraint furnished another point of attack for the abolitionists.

Through efforts to suppress the African slave-trade, the entire country became conscious of a common responsibility.

Before the Revolutionary War, Great Britain had been censured for forcing cheap slaves from Africa upon her unwilling colonies.