What was the reason behind the African slave trade?
What was the reason behind the African slave trade?
The Atlantic slave trade from Africa to the New World might well have been the largest maritime migration in history. The reason for this maritime movement was to obtain labour as the indigenous population of the New World had declined rapidly because of its lack of immunity against imported pathogens.
How did slavery in Africa differ from slavery in the Americas during this time period?
Forms of slavery varied both in Africa and in the New World. In general, slavery in Africa was not heritable—that is, the children of slaves were free—while in the Americas, children of slave mothers were considered born into slavery.
How was Africa affected by the Atlantic slave trade?
The size of the Atlantic slave trade dramatically transformed African societies. The slave trade brought about a negative impact on African societies and led to the long-term impoverishment of West Africa. This intensified effects that were already present amongst its rulers, kinships, kingdoms and in society.
During what centuries did the slave trade flourish?
The transatlantic slave trade began to flourish in the 16th century. It quickly became a major enterprise for Portuguese, British, Spanish, French, and Dutch traders.
What were three reasons for the growth of slavery?
These seven factors led to the development of the slave trade:
- The importance of the West Indian colonies.
- The shortage of labour.
- The failure to find alternative sources of labour.
- The legal position.
- Racial attitudes.
- Religious factors.
- Military factors.
Where did most African slaves come from?
West Central Africa
The majority of all people enslaved in the New World came from West Central Africa. Before 1519, all Africans carried into the Atlantic disembarked at Old World ports, mainly Europe and the offshore Atlantic islands.How did the Atlantic slave trade start and why?
The transatlantic slave trade began during the 15th century when Portugal, and subsequently other European kingdoms, were finally able to expand overseas and reach Africa. The Portuguese first began to kidnap people from the west coast of Africa and to take those they enslaved back to Europe.
How has slavery affected Africa?
The effect of slavery in Africa Some states, such as Asante and Dahomey, grew powerful and wealthy as a result. Other states were completely destroyed and their populations decimated as they were absorbed by rivals. Millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homes, and towns and villages were depopulated.
How did Britain benefit from the slave trade?
British industry benefited by supplying factory-made goods in exchange for slaves. Profits made in the slave trade provided money for investment in British industry. Banks and insurance companies which offered services to slave merchants expanded and made cities such as London very wealthy.