Africa in the Age of the Slave Trade, Lesson 6

Main Ideas: Though the slave trade was centuries old in Africa, the Trans-Atlantic trade was a new dynamic that altered African perceptions of enslavementThough the slave trade was centuries old in Africa, the Trans-Atlantic trade was a new dynamic that altered African perceptions of enslavement The slave trade led to important political alterations in West AfricaThe slave trade led to important political alterations in West Africa Economic impacts of the slave trade would reach far into Africa’s futureEconomic impacts of the slave trade would reach far into Africa’s future

African Slavery Becoming a slaveBecoming a slave – debts – prisoner of war – conquest Conditions more similar to serfs in EuropeConditions more similar to serfs in Europe Domestic slavesDomestic slaves

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Issues in West AfricaIssues in West Africa – political instability (fall of Songhai) – allure of European firearms – “Guns for Slaves Cycle” – The Slave Forts

Political Impacts in Africa Extent of European controlExtent of European control – AFRICA NOT COLONIZED!! Fragmentation on coast (European interference)Fragmentation on coast (European interference) Empire building in interiorEmpire building in interior – Kongo, Asante, Dahomey, Benin, Hausa city-states

Economic Impacts in Africa Traditional agrarian societyTraditional agrarian society – Columbian Exchange in Africa By 1700, slave trade is almost 70% of W. African economy!By 1700, slave trade is almost 70% of W. African economy! – Impact of one-resource exports – Agricultural changes

Social Impacts in Africa Massive imbalance in male/female ratiosMassive imbalance in male/female ratios –Imbalanced ratio before slave trade –Euros demand young males only –Increased subjugation of women Rise in status of warrior classRise in status of warrior class –Efforts at greater social unity (typical of empires)

Trends in East Africa Plantation systems on Swahili coastPlantation systems on Swahili coast – Zanzibar slaves & the clove trade Sudanic Expansion & the Fulani JihadsSudanic Expansion & the Fulani Jihads – social & cultural impacts – role in intensification of the slave trade for Hausa city-states

Conclusions Slave trading empires perpetuate trend of political centralization based on control of a key economic resource—one that they themselves use minimallySlave trading empires perpetuate trend of political centralization based on control of a key economic resource—one that they themselves use minimally Thanks to corn & peanuts, Africa’s pop. isn’t appreciably depleted in spite of African Diaspora; however, gender ratio is altered greatlyThanks to corn & peanuts, Africa’s pop. isn’t appreciably depleted in spite of African Diaspora; however, gender ratio is altered greatly Foreign control in Africa is still minimal!— they are nothing more than a commercial presence (even in religion)Foreign control in Africa is still minimal!— they are nothing more than a commercial presence (even in religion)