Africa

A History of Slavery

BIG QUESTIONS

• How does one justify enslaving another human?
• What type of historical precedent must be set just justify this behavior?
• How does living in America color our perception of Slavery?

Things to Remember

• Slavery in Africa is not a new concept:
• Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, other  African tribes
• Europeans continued a tradition of slavery
• Why? White is right, thought blacks were of lower intellect, Europeans unwilling to do manual labor.

Slavery on the African Continent

• Some slaves were POW's
• Some sold themselves into slavery to avoid famine.
• They were seen as servants NOT property.
• Viewed as important part of community.
• Could earn their freedom and become full members of society.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

• Europeans introduced slavery on massive scale. (Gave Africans Guns)
• 400 years long
• 2 -3 Million Africans sent to Americas
• Peaked in 1700's / 60k slaves a year.
• Many sold for guns, rum, or by warring tribes.
• Known as the Middle Passage / Horrible Conditions  

Where was Slavery the Worst?

• Central / South America and the Caribbean 
• Hotter; work was more grueling; slaves seen as dehumanized machines that could be easily replaced.
• Spanish and Portuguese had no respect for African lives.

Martinique Slavery Memorial

Effects of Slavery in Africa

• Disrupted Societies
• Encouraged War and increased tension for neighboring peoples.
• Economies crumbled as healthy men and women were taken away.
• Starvation; no one to plant, do the labor.

The Legacy of Slavery

• Still thriving (Diamonds, sex, child, Agriculture)
• Race issues that still exist
• Diaspora; the spreading of African culture around the world.
• Mistrust of "white intentions"