Origins and Motivations of the Slave Trade

Arab Slave Trade

Centuries-old trade across Africa, the Indian Ocean, and Red Sea, not race-based.

Existing African Slavery

Prevalent post-battles, campaigns, and debt; not sold as commodities.

The Reconquista

Christian campaigns to recapture Iberian Peninsula from Muslims, encouraging North African exploration.

Papal Bulls Encourage Crusade

Decrees since 1341 urging crusades against Muslim territories in Europe and North Africa.

The Crusade for Ceuta, 1415

Led by King John I of Portugal, marked the start of Portuguese maritime empire.

Madeira Archipelago, 1419

Accidentally discovered by Portuguese sailors, settled in 1420.

Antao Goncalves, 1441

Captured Africans near Cape Bojador, revealing West Africa's trade potential.

Dum Diversas, 1452

Pope's permission for Portugal to conquer non-believers, aiding African expansion.

Cane Sugar Cultivation

Increased in Europe by Crusaders, requiring 50 tons of sugar cane for one ton of sugar.

Cape Verde, 1462

Initially for cotton and sugarcane, later a hub for Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Elmina, 1471

Portuguese exploration in Gold Coast for gold and ivory, seeking a sea route to India.

Muslim Slave System

Maintained in Iberian Peninsula by Muslims until the 15th century.

Indigenous Slavery

Enabled the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, not sold as commodities.

Early Portuguese Exploration

Began with Madeira and Azores, inspiring further exploration along Africa's coast.

Nuno Tristao, 1443

Established slave raids along West African coast, leading to profitable grounds.

14th Century Popes Justify Slavery

Enslavement of non-Christians for Christian conversion, influenced by Aristotle and Aquinas.

Romanus Pontifex, 1455

Praised Portugal for colonizing Madeira and Azores, and converting indigenous peoples.

Labor Source for Sugar Cultivation

Initially paid workers, shifted to forced labor for increased profits.

Portugal's Expansion Motivations

Driven by religious crusades, economic gains, and exploration for trade routes.

Trans-Atlantic Trading Hub

Cape Verde became crucial for resupplying ships and trading slaves in the New World.

Fernao Gomes

Discovered gold trade in the Gold Coast, aiming to circumvent Arab traders.

Non-Christian to Non-European Transition

Shift from enslaving non-Christians to non-Europeans, later to non-whites.

Feitorias

Trading ports established by the Portuguese along the West African coast.

Asiento System

Spain broke Portugal's slave trade monopoly, offering contracts to European merchants.

Captaincies/Donatarias

Portuguese nobles settled territories, promoting agriculture, commerce, and protecting settlers.

Trans-Atlantic Trade

Exchange of goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas involving enslaved Africans.

Middle Passage

Voyage of enslaved Africans from Africa to the Americas, often in brutal conditions.

Olaudah Equiano

Enslaved as a child, bought freedom, and became active in the abolition movement.

Slave Resistance

Acts of resistance by enslaved Africans, including revolts and suicides.

Amistad

1839 event where African captives rebelled on a ship after the Slavery Abolition Act.

Slave Auction

Process of selling slaves individually or in groups to the highest bidder.

Scramble

Method of selling slaves where buyers rush to grab the ones they want after paying.

Refuse

Unsold slaves who were often mistreated due to being seen as having no value.

Seasoning Camps

Places where resistant slaves were broken to obey and forget their African identities.