Notes on The Trade in Enslaved African People, 1770–1807

Title: The Trade in Enslaved African People, 1770–1807

Definition of Slavery:

• Legal property of another forced to obey.

• Works hard without proper payment or appreciation.

• Excessively dependent on or controlled by something.

Historical Context:

• Papal Support for Slavery:

• 1452: Pope Nicholas V authorized Portuguese slavery of non-Christians.

• Slave Trade Beginnings:

• Portuguese/Spanish traders captured Africans for American colonies (15th century).

• Approximately 350,000 Africans enslaved in this period.

Importance of Sugar:

• Sugar had previously been hard to produce and expensive.

• Columbus introduced sugar cane to the Americas; led to sugar becoming crucial by 18th century.

Labour Sources for Sugar Production:

• Initial reliance on Arawak natives, who died out due to unfamiliar farming practices.

• Use of bond servants, who worked contracts for transportation and future freedom.

• Convicted criminals sent instead of serving jail time in Scotland.

Demand for West Africans:

• Growing sugar market in Europe leading to a need for more workers.

• Difficulty growing sugar in Europe; exploration for better agricultural areas (Madeira, Canaries).

• Existing Portuguese trade links with Africa made sourcing enslaved labor natural.