Domestic Slave Trade Research Paper

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With the cotton industry booming in the south there was a dire need for slaves, because of that the Domestic Slave Trade flourished from 1800-1860. Slave Trade originated from ancient times in Rome from around the first and second centuries B.C. Many nations wanted to put a stop to the trade, and even though many nations started to outlaw it it still continued for many years. Both England and America voted to ban slave trade in 1807, and the ban became effective in 1808 (Worth 59). Along with just putting a ban on slave trade there were also other laws to follow because of how stubborn people were and the continuation of smuggling slaves into the states. The treatment of slaves in this time and any time was horrendous and caused many slaves …show more content…

Around 90% of the slaves involved in the Domestic Slave Trade were sent directly to the West Indies and South America. Even though many of the slaves were traded to South America and the West Indies, slaves accounted for a quarter of the population in North America (Mintz 1). In 1807, The United States took action and attempted to start banning slave trade in America. Congress passed the ban in 1808 and called for a fine of twenty thousand dollars and loss of the ship used to transport the slaves (Worth 59). Although the act of trading slaves was banned in not only America but also England, it still continued for many years. America passed more laws to make the ban even stricter, like placing fines and prison sentences in place to anyone caught (Worth 59). On the other hand, England tried to not only ban slave trade in their country, but also in other nations. In 1817, the Le Louis Case had stated that Britain could not search any ships with flags from other nations unless there was an agreement with the country. Spain and Portugal signed this agreement which then allowed Britain to search any ships they suspected of carrying slaves (Worth 58-59). Britain further expanded their efforts of trying to

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