The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Its Impact

Plantation Economics

Economy based on cash crop agriculture.

Cash Crops

Crops grown for sale, not food consumption.

Native American Labor

Forced labor due to disease vulnerability.

Forced Labor Systems

Labor systems developed for plantation economies.

European Demands

Need for cheap labor for New World goods.

Immunity to Diseases

Africans had resistance to Old-World diseases.

Large-Scale Farming Experience

Africans understood plantation work and agriculture.

Indentured Servants

Europeans working for passage payment, limited time.

Limited Solution of Indentured Servants

Risk of escape and high transportation costs.

Islamic Slave Trade

Started exporting slaves in the 700s.

Internal Slavery in Africa

Long-standing practice before European involvement.

Prisoners of War

Common source of slaves in Africa.

Escape from African Slavery

Possible through marriage or serving sentences.

Non-Hereditary Slavery

Children of slaves could be free.

Triangular Trade

Trade route: Europe, Africa, Americas.

European Exports to Africa

Guns and manufactured goods sent to Africa.

African Exports to Americas

Slaves and gold sent to the Americas.

American Exports

Molasses, cotton, tobacco, and sugar sent to Europe.

Middle Passage

Dehumanizing voyage for Africans to Americas.

Transport Numbers (1500-1600)

300,000 Africans transported to Americas.

Transport Numbers (1600-1700)

1.5 million Africans transported.

Transport Numbers (1700-1800)

Nearly 8 million Africans transported.

Total Importation

11 million Africans imported to Americas.

Cultural Loss in Africa

Young generations lost to slave trade.

Family Disruption

African families torn apart by slavery.

Guns Introduction

Guns increased conflict and war in Africa.

Economic Impact in Americas

Slave labor enriched European countries and colonies.

Cultural Influence

African culture impacted art, music, and food.