Slave Trade In West Africa

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West Africa was greatly impacted by the Atlantic Slave Trade. Though there were countless negative effects, some short-term positive effects did occur. First off, the slave trade directly correlated with the number of wars in Africa. As demand for slaves increased, so did the quantity of wars to capture them. African kingdoms would wage war and go on raids in order to supply prisoners of war to sell. This was a start of a domino effect, in which kingdoms and tribes would capture slaves, trade them for guns to become more powerful, and then use said power to enslave even more people. A vicious cycle was created in Africa as a result of the slave trade. In spite of these negative effects, it is arguable that it was slightly beneficial for a …show more content…

Social relationships were destroyed and reconstructed, while traditional values became suppressed. The social hierarchy became strained. Practically all relationships were changed, from kingdoms, to religious groups, to the very enslaved themselves. Societies were transformed and new forms of leadership were established in hopes of ensuring protection from merciless raiders. For the most part, the slave trade halted the progression for the majority of Africa. Many agree that the slave trade left the continent massively underdeveloped and disorganized. This is understandable considering that about figures as high as 15.4 millions of records are reported …show more content…

The savageness of wars created a permanent scar in the people. While the rest of the world advanced technologically, Africa is still full of underdeveloped tribes STILL at war with each other. The slave trade is largely responsible for the condition of Africa. The wounds of treachery, wars, and raids still last to this day. Africa is literally fighting with itself. Largely underdeveloped, many Africans are depicted as in poverty and weak. Those in tribes are considered to be mindless “savages.” As a result of the slave trade, Africa is now only seen as a self-destructing continent full of primitive people that fell behind in technological advancement. All things considered, much of this resulted from the slave trade and the cracks it created in Africa’s

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