The Roots of Slavery: Why Did Africa Become the Source of Slaves?

The history of slavery is a complex and multifaceted narrative, spanning decades, centuries, and millennia. From the earliest civilizations to the more recent past, enslaved individuals have come from various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. However, one aspect of this history remains particularly glaring: the connection between Africa and the brutal transatlantic slave trade. This article delves into the reasons why Africa emerged as the source of slaves, focusing on historical, economic, and social factors.

Slavery in Ancient Times

Slavery has deep roots in human history, predating written records by thousands of years. The practice can be traced back to 11,000 years ago, following the invention of agriculture during the Neolithic Revolution. Economic surpluses and high population densities created conditions that made mass slavery viable. Evidence of slavery predates written records, and the practice has existed in many cultures.

In ancient societies, including Mesopotamia, slavery was already an established institution. The Mesopotamian Code of Hammurabi, dating back to around 1750 BC, refers to slavery as an economic reality. Slavery was widespread in various regions, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. However, the form and scale of slavery varied significantly across different regions and time periods.

African Slavery in the Pre-Colonial Era

In African societies, slavery has been endemic and a part of everyday life for centuries. This form of slavery was both internal and external, meaning that enslaved individuals might be captured or sold by their own communities, often due to war, debt, or as a punishment for crimes. Nonetheless, this type of slavery was more intimate and less structured compared to the later transatlantic trade.

For instance, in Senegambia, between 1300 and 1900, close to one-third of the population was enslaved. Similarly, in the early Islamic states of Western Sudan, such as Ghana (750–1076), Mali (1235–1645), Segou (1712–1861), and Songhai (1275–1591), a significant portion of the population was also enslaved. These states engaged in slave trading, often with neighboring regions and the wider world.

The Rise of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The transformation of African slavery into a large-scale, globally connected trade began with the European discovery of the New World. By the 16th century, European powers, particularly Portugal, Spain, and later England, began to seek alternate sources of labor to meet the demands of their growing colonies. The colonial powers realized the economic benefits of using enslaved Africans, and thus began the transatlantic slave trade.

Europeans rarely ventured into the interior of Africa, and when they did, it was often dangerous. Instead, they established coastal outposts and engaged in trade with African states that had the capacity to capture and transport large numbers of slaves. African states such as the Bono State, Oyo Empire, Yoruba, Kong Empire, Kingdom of Benin, Imamate of Futa Jallon, Kingdom of Khasso, Kingdom of Kaabu, Fante Confederacy, Ashanti Confederacy, Aro Confederacy, and the Kingdom of Dahomey participated in this trade. The enslaved individuals were brought to these outposts and then shipped to the Americas.

Impact and Consequences

The transatlantic slave trade peaked in the late 18th century, with the highest numbers of people being captured and enslaved in raids into the interior of West Africa. The conditions under which these slaves were transported are described as brutal: over the centuries, it is estimated that twelve to twenty million enslaved people were shipped from Africa by European traders, and roughly 15 percent of them died during the voyage. The majority of these slaves were shipped to the Americas, but some went to Europe and Southern Africa.

The impact of the transatlantic slave trade was profound and long-lasting. It reshaped the demographic, cultural, and economic landscapes of both Africa and the Americas. The legacy of this period continues to influence modern attitudes and policies regarding race, human rights, and social justice.

Conclusion

The reasons why Africa became the source of slaves are deeply rooted in historical, economic, and social factors. From the ancient use of slavery in African societies to the brutal transatlantic trade, the role of Africa in the slave trade is a complex and troubling chapter in human history.