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Social Change during the Atlantic Slave Trade

By RhiannonCreighton
  • Period: Jan 1, 1400 to

    Thesis

    There are many social changes for the African people during the Atlantic slave trade. Although continuity is shown during certain groups of time when they are used in slave labor, the changes from their original life style and society are much greater.
  • Jan 1, 1441

    First shipment

    The first shipment of African slaves brought directly from Africa to Portugal. This shows change because the African people were moved from their home to Portugal.
  • Jan 1, 1484

    Kongo Kingdom

    The Portuguese contacted the Kongo kingdom south of the Zaire River. This shows continuity because it is the Portuguese strengthening their ties in the slave trade.
  • Jan 1, 1487

    Portuguese Ships Arrive

    Portuguese ships pushed down the west African coast and reached the Cape of Good Hope. This shows change because it fueled the slave trade.
  • Jan 1, 1502

    Slaves in New World

    First reported African slaves in the New World. This shows change because it normalized the use of slaves.
  • Jan 1, 1550

    Slave Trade Growth

    The slave trade grew more complex and larger as American plantation colonies as well as Brazil began to develop. This shows continuity because it is the slave trade continuing to grow.
  • Jan 1, 1570

    Settlement

    There was a more permanent Portuguese settlement that was established with the foundation of Luanda. This represents change because it became the basis of the Portuguese colony of Angola.

  • Dutch Control

    Many tried to compete with the Portuguese in slave trade to have their own source of slaves. The Dutch became competition when they overtook El Mina. This represents change because now the Portuguese were not the only slave source.

  • Dutch East India Trading Company

    The Dutch East India Trading Company established a colony at the Cape of Good Hope to serve as a provisioning post for ships sailing to Asia. This colony depended on slave labor. This represents change because it not only used slaves from Indonesia and Asia, but also native Africans, expanding the use of slaves.

  • The British Arrive

    Great Britain seized the Cape Colony in 1795 and took formal control of it in 1815. However, this still shows continuity because slave labor was still in place.

  • British "abolish" slavery

    Great Britain abolish slavery and create restrictions on landholding.
    This represents change because the abolishment of slavery began.