I sometimes wonder, if it hadn't been for American independence, would slavery have been abolished quicker in America, or would it have continued longer in Britain?

I'm inclined to think the latter. I imagine the danger of provoking a breakaway by the American Colonies would probably have been argued strongly by Wilberforce's opponents.

I think it could be argued that the dates of the abolition of slavery should be the really important dates in both countries. But how many people could say what they are?