In "Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World," Niall Ferguson illustrates Britain's decisive role in dismantling the slave trade during the 19th century. By the late 1830s, the Royal Navy had developed a powerful presence along the West African coast, actively intercepting slave ships involved in the illegal trade. This naval intervention was a crucial step in enforcing abolitionist policies, demonstrating Britain's commitment to ending slavery.

By 1840, the Royal Navy had seized 425 slave vessels, further emphasizing its effectiveness in combating the trade. These intercepted ships were taken to Sierra Leone, where the majority faced condemnation. Ferguson's account highlights how Britain's naval power was instrumental in shaping the course of abolition, effectively using military resources to enforce moral and legal standards against slavery.