40 likes | 157 Views
Delve into the history of slavery in Africa and the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Americas. Learn about the origins, tradings, and impacts of this dark chapter.
E N D
Slavery in Africa and the Slave Trade U.S. History
Slavery In Western Africa • As we discussed earlier, Europeans began to search beyond their borders for new trade routes and partners. • Portuguese explorers were mainly looking for gold. • When Portuguese sailors first sailed along the West African coast, they discovered that slavery already existed there. • Europeans exploited the system of slavery that already existed.
Slavery In Western Africa • Slavery was considered an accepted part of life in Africa. • Kings and other rulers in Western Africa would enslave enemy soldiers, criminals, or other undesirable people. • Many slaves would be traded to merchants (mainly Arab…AIR-RUB not A- RAAB) in exchange for goods. • Slavery in Africa was still violent and unfair, but was nowhere as brutal as the system of slavery that would develop in the Americas. • About 1000 slaves per year • Children of slaves did not remain slaves • There was some upward mobility • Wealth was possible • NOT BASED ON RACE!
The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade • Beginning in the 1400’s, Europeans began removing large numbers of slaves from Africa. • Originally, these slaves were sent to small islands in the Atlantic that the Portuguese controlled (Azores, Canary islands.) • However, once the Americas were discovered, many were shipped there. • By 1550, about 1,800 slaves were being taken from Africa per year and shipped throughout the world • This is known as the Slave Trade.