How did the slave trade begin in West Africa?
How did the slave trade begin in West Africa?
The European slave trade began with Portugal’s exploration of the west coast of Africa in search of a sea trade route to the East. The East had bountiful new resources, like spices and silk, and the Portuguese were eager to acquire these goods without the laborious journey by land from Europe to Asia.
What is the origin of slavery in Africa?
Slavery in northern Africa dates back to ancient Egypt. The New Kingdom (1558–1080 BC) brought in large numbers of slaves as prisoners of war up the Nile valley and used them for domestic and supervised labour. Ptolemaic Egypt (305 BC–30 BC) used both land and sea routes to bring slaves in.
What is the origin of the slave trade?
The transatlantic slave trade had its beginning in the middle of the fifteenth century when Portuguese ships sailed down the West African coast. The intention was to trade for gold and spices, but the voyagers found another even more valuable commodity—human beings.
When did slavery begin in West Africa?
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.
Who started the slave trade in Africa?
In the fifteenth century, Portugal became the first European nation to take significant part in African slave trading. The Portuguese primarily acquired slaves for labor on Atlantic African island plantations, and later for plantations in Brazil and the Caribbean, though they also sent a small number to Europe.
What are two reasons why West Africa strongly felt the effects of the slave trade?
What are two reasons why West Africa strongly felt the effects of the slave trade? The West African countries lost most of their able-bodied men and women to the slave trade. The price of manufactured goods fell sharply in West Africa. The West African countries were most easily reached by European ships.
How was the early slave trade in West Africa different from that in East Africa?
How was the early slave trade in West Africa different from that of East Africa? A. Slaves from West Africa were generally sold in Asian and American countries, while slaves from East Africa were generally sold in the Middle East.
When did slavery begin in the world?
Slavery operated in the first civilizations (such as Sumer in Mesopotamia, which dates back as far as 3500 BCE). Slavery features in the Mesopotamian Code of Hammurabi (c. 1860 BCE), which refers to it as an established institution.