Slave trade lasted for centuries within Africa; nonetheless, expansive slave trade started around the 16th century. Primarily, the purpose of Trans- Atlantic trade was to supply cheap human labor to the plantation economy of the developing western hemispheres. The captives were seized in interior Africa, then they were transported on either on down rivers or on foot to the sea for transportation.
Slave trade began as there was a loss of Portuguese interests in the fabled mineral deposits and moved their interest to the slave trade, where slaves was more readily available commodity. Also, new world empires were expanding, and there was a demand of workforce. The indigenous people were dying from diseases brought over from Europe, hence had proven to be unreliable, on the other hand, Europeans suffered under tropical diseases as they were unsuited for the climate. Most Europeans could not accept to do most of the jobs needed to be done. Comparatively, Africans were hard working and had experience in farming; they were resistant to tropical diseases and well suited to the tropical climate. Additionally, there was increased production of agricultural products, and large-scale farming like cotton, cocoa, tea, rice and coffee, hence increased demand for slaves. Similarly, the middlemen in the slave trade enjoyed huge profits, hence got deeply involved in the trade, and ensured the business continued.
There are different understandings on the slave- trade and its consequences which are yet to be refined. The effects of Trans- Atlantic trade on Africa were massive. Up to date, slave trade impacted on African civilization hence is still underdeveloped. Looking at the demographics, there was a significant reduction of people in Africa, to the point where slave traders started launching to the root levels to purchase slaves. During the transportation, many Africans died as they remained below deck due to lack of proper aerations. Also, salt- depletion, fever, excessive sweating and diarrheas were other contributing factor to the deaths. It is estimated that there was a loss of population to up to 50 million of Africans.
The Trans-Atlantic slave trade was human atrocity which is yet to be duplicated. Millions of women and men were transported to sub- Saharan Africa. Consequently, those left behind experienced grief, cultural devastation and desolation which even researchers, readers and museumgoers cannot comprehend. The trade distorted the sexual ratios, as most of the slaves exported were male. Consequently, this led to re-structuring of the society; women took roles which were considered as men’s and even polygamy was encouraged. Generally, Trans- Atlantic slave trade led to disruptions of the society due to frequent raids and tribal wars. There was less productivity as the entire network was tied up in the supply of slave to the Atlantic economy. Agricultural productivity also suffered as a result of slave trade expansion; many agricultural exporting regions in the interior were abandoned for the slave trade, which was more profitable. This had adverse effects on African economy (Tibbles 57).
Conclusion
Trans- Atlantic trade is seen to be a source of appalling tragedies in the history of humanity in terms of its magnitude, nature, negotiation of victims and barbarism. Therefore, it is seen as a major source of manifestation of racial discrimination, racism, and related xenophobia and related intolerance to people of African descent. This is because Asians and people of African descent continue to be victims of this acts and their consequences. Africans continue to be looked at as inferior, because they were a source of cheap labor and Africans continue to be seen as less intelligent (Ulrich 59). However, there are a few positive impacts which were seen such as exchange of culture and increased trade.
Works cited
Karenga,. Introduction to Black Studies. Los Angeles, CA: University of Sankore Press, 2010.
Print.
Tibbles, Anthony. Transatlantic Slavery: Against Human Dignity. Liverpool: Liverpool
Ulrich, George. Reparations: Redressing Past Wrongs. The Hague [u.a.: Kluwer Law Internat,
2003. Print.
