Did Free Slaves Own Slaves and Did Africans Sell Slaves to America?
It's a common misconception that there were no free slaves, a term we now refer to as Freedmen. Indeed, there were individuals of African descent who owned slaves, and West African nations did engage in the kidnapping and sale of captives to European traders. However, the existence of these practices does not exonerate the inherent cruelty and injustices of the slave system.
The Reality of Slave Trade and Ownership in West Africa
The vast majority of the Africans brought to the Americas by European slave traders were captured and sold by West African nations. The slave trade and the introduction of European weaponry transformed West African nations, creating an arms race and a competition for control and profit through the enslavement and sale of captives to European traders.
The Impact of European Weaponry on African Societies
European weapons and firearms played a crucial role in the expansion of the slave trade. These weapons allowed African nations to defend and expand their territories, capture more captives, and ultimately facilitate the horror of the transatlantic slave trade. The use of such weaponry escalated the violence and ruthlessness associated with the trade.
Slavery and the Laws of the Time
Once enslaved individuals arrived in the Americas, they faced indescribable cruelty and inhumane treatment. Whether they were initially captured or sold as slaves, the conditions and treatment they endured did not lessen the moral outrage of the institution of slavery. Suggesting that the act of slavery was acceptable based on the manner of acquisition is morally reprehensible. Selling a dog does not provide the right to mistreat it.
Slaves as Property: The Case of Freedmen Owning Slaves
While it's true that former slaves sometimes owned slaves, particularly in regions such as Louisiana, the evidence regarding the nature of their ownership is disputed. In some cases, owning a slave might have been a legal way to secure freedom for a relative or friend by fostering a nominal ownership arrangement. However, the law often took a more severe stance against interfering with property rights, meaning that freeing a slave was often more problematic.
Slavery and Its Widespread Impact in Africa and the Americas
It is important to recognize that not all African tribes were victimizers in the slave trade. Some tribes participated in the capture and sale of captives to European traders, often as a result of raids, wars, or conflicts. These tribes saw European slave traders as a ready market for profits and goods.
The Pervasive Nature of Slavery in the Americas
The pervasiveness of slavery in the Americas created a deep and lasting impact on American society. Slavery was not confined to one region or group; it touched every aspect of life and involved individuals across the social and economic spectrum. Wealthy and influential people often had some connection to slave ownership, whether direct or indirect.
The Broader Implications of Slavery in History
Slavery was an evil phenomenon that existed in various forms and contexts, not exclusively in America or among white people. However, its widespread prevalence and deep integration into American society from its founding laid the groundwork for its profound influence and impact on the development of the nation. The legacy of slavery continues to shape the socio-political fabric of the United States and the broader world.