Social Motives Behind Slavery and Slave Trade in Africa
The social motives behind slavery and slave trade in Africa were multifaceted and not isolated to a single cause, but rather a combination of greed, prestige, and external demand. Understanding these motives requires a nuanced exploration of historical and cultural contexts.
The Presence of Slavery in Other Regions
Similar to other regions, slavery and slave trade were prevalent in Africa. In the 15th century, Sardinian slaves, who were former war captives, existed in the kingdom of Valencia. The galleys of the king of France and of the king of Spain utilized Muslim slaves for rowing. In Spain, due to the crown's policies, these slaves were purposely based outside the territories of the Crown of Castilla, as the crown could not have slaves.
African Slavery and Slave Trade
The primary form of slave trade in Africa involved some African tribes or states trading slaves to anyone who would buy them, often in exchange for goods that the slavers desired. Tribal wars were also a significant contributor to internal slavery, as captives from these wars were often sold into slavery. Unlike the Americas, where the labor force was significantly impacted by the conflict between European settlers and natives, the primary motive in Africa was more aligned with social and economic factors.
European Demands and Indigenous Resistance
The arrival of European settlers and subsequent conflicts with indigenous populations in the Americas led to a significant labor shortage. This shortage prompted wealthy plantation owners to seek out cheaper labor through the trans-Atlantic slave trade. African slaves were predominantly sold at slave castles along the coast of Africa, often to Muslim and African slave traders. These traders sold them to the cheapest buyers to ensure a steady and profitable trade. The indigenous populations of the Americas were less desirable as slaves because they often died from Old World diseases or fled captivity, leaving the Africans as a more durable and reliable labor force for the plantations.
Internal Slave Trade in Africa
The internal slave trade in Africa provided several social and economic benefits. Two primary motives were prestige and gold. Since gold also provided prestige, the main motive was social status. Beyond this, debt slavery played a significant role. A person could 'sell' themselves into slavery to pay off debts, especially in regions where a money economy was introduced. Tribes that captured individuals in wars or conflicts could also sell these individuals into slavery to gain social status or to pay debts.
The Role of External Demand
The primary cause of Africa's internal slave trade was the external demand from both the Arab world and later from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Americas. The demand for slaves in these regions created a significant market that fueled the internal trade. However, this aspect of the slave trade goes beyond the scope of the question and requires a more detailed historical analysis.
Further Reading
For a deeper understanding of the experiences of slaves brought to the Americas, you may find Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston to be a valuable resource. This oral history is based on the last living illegal slave from the last illegal slave ship to land in the United States, providing a unique and poignant perspective on the African slave trade.
Understanding the social motives behind slavery and slave trade in Africa is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of this dark period in human history. It highlights the complex interplay of social, economic, and external factors that drove this inhumane practice.