Regions & Sources of Slaves
Name two major African kingdoms involved in supplying slaves.
Dahomey, Benin, Oyo, or Asante
Which European nation was the first to trade slaves from West Africa?
Portugal
What were the three legs of the Triangular Trade?
Europe → Africa → Caribbean → Europe
What was the Middle Passage?
The voyage across the Atlantic from Africa to the Caribbean.
What happened to Africa’s population as a result of the slave trade?
It declined due to the loss of millions of young men and women.
What was the “Slave Coast,” and where was it located?
The area west of the Niger Delta, with ports like Whydah and Badagri.
Why did the Spanish begin importing African slaves?
Amerindian population declined; need for labour in sugar and gold mining.
What was traded from Europe to Africa?
Guns, textiles, alcohol, and manufactured goods
How long did the Middle Passage usually last?
6 to 10 weeks
What economic effect did the trade have on local industries?
European goods replaced local products; craftsmen lost their livelihoods.
Which region supplied the French with most of their slaves?
Between the Ivory Coast and Senegambia
Who suggested to the King of Spain that Africans should replace Amerindians as labourers?
Las Casas
What products were shipped back from the Caribbean to Europe?
Sugar, rum, molasses, tobacco, and cotton
What were conditions like on board the slave ships?
Cramped, hot, unsanitary, and deadly.
Name one political consequence of the slave trade.
Wars increased; rulers became corrupt; kingdoms fought to capture slaves.
What was the first European fort built on the Gold Coast and by whom?
Elmina Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1482
What made enslaved Africans desirable to European planters?
They were believed to be strong, suited to tropical work, and available in large numbers.
What was a “factory” in the context of the slave trade?
A trading post or fort on the African coast used to store slaves and goods.
What were two main causes of death during the Middle Passage?
Disease and starvation (also storms or revolt).
What were “makrons”?
Rejected or unhealthy slaves who were not sold.
Which region provided more slaves for the Caribbean than anywhere else?
Lower Guinea
Which three major European companies controlled the slave trade?
Royal African Company (Britain), Senegal Company (France), Dutch West India Company (Netherlands)
Why did traders need financial backing before leaving Europe?
They needed money for ships, goods, supplies, insurance, and crew.
What was the “scramble”?
A chaotic method where buyers rushed to grab slaves during sale.
Name two positive effects of the slave trade on Africa.
Introduction of new foods (maize, cassava) and imported iron/cotton goods.