The Dark Stage of History: Four Hundred Years of the Black Slave Trade
There is a dark period in world history that lasts for more than four hundred years, a history that belongs only to the black people of Africa. In order to obtain great wealth, Western colonial rulers sold large numbers of blacks to the Americas and enslaved them to the colonies. Known as black slaves, these blacks contributed greatly to the development of Europe and the Americas, however, their suffering was unbearable. This article will delve into the history of the slave trade and why slaves are often transported without a trace, as well as examine the impact of the slave trade on the world and some of the events involved.
The Origins of the Black Slave Trade: Columbus' New World Discovery
In the history of the slave trade, Columbus' New World discoveries played a key role. Before the sixteenth century, there was no concept of America in the world, because at that time, it was generally believed that the earth was flat. Columbus decided to follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo in an attempt to reach the East in search of new shipping lanes. With the financial support of Queen Isabella, Columbus embarked on his expedition, culminating in the discovery of the American continent. However, Columbus mistakenly believed that he had arrived in India and called Native Americans Indians.
Colonization and labor demand in the Americas
As European colonists began to establish colonies in the Americas, they desperately needed labor to develop the new continent. Native Americans were limited in number, and white indentured slaves were not enough to meet the needs of production. As a result, European colonists turned to Africa, believing that black Africans had a better and cheaper workforce. Black Africans were considered the best means of production because their physical strength far exceeded that of other races.
The rise of the slave trade
During this period, the slave trade entered a period of prosperity. European colonists used various cruel methods, such as capturing and bribing tribal chiefs by force, to obtain large numbers of black slaves.
Black slaves were forced to be transported naked to the Americas because European colonists sought maximum profit and cabins were packed with blacks. To prevent escape, the slaves were chained and lived in poor conditions. During transportation, European colonists even threw some black slaves into the sea to feed the fish to ensure that there was enough food on board.
The treatment and role of black slaves
A small number of black slaves, because of their physical strength or other specialties, were regarded as more valuable commodities and treated relatively better. However, the vast majority of black slaves lived in appalling conditions and were not treated humanely.
They are treated as property, not human beings.
The slave trade prevailed
As the slave trade flourished, European countries participated, including capitalist powers such as Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands. Through the so-called triangular trade, they achieved huge accumulation of profits and helped lay the foundations of capitalism. This mode of trade centered on the slave trade, exchanging necessities, black slaves and European goods with each other for high profits.
The end of the slave trade
The slave trade lasted for more than four hundred years in history, and although it was later banned, some colonists continued to practice it in secret.
It was not until the Brussels Conference of 1890 that the slave trade ended once and for all.
Opinion-based analysis
The slave trade is a great shame in human history, representing greed, racism and cruelty. The legacy of this dark period remains, with far-reaching implications for the societies, cultures and populations of Africa and the Americas. Although the slave trade has ended, we must not forget this history to avoid repeating similar mistakes.
There is still a problem of human trafficking in modern society, especially women and children being victims. We must stand firm against such crimes and take action to stop human trafficking.