General Overview of the Atlantic Slave Trade

First Noted Start of the Atlantic Slave Trade

1442

The first major event of the Trade happened in 1442, in which Portugal began their enslavement of the Berbers, an ethnic group of the Northern coast of Africa. The Portuguese brought large numbers of these slaves back to Europe, where the idea began to spread. Slavery in Portugal. (2020, November 03). Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_Portugal

First Noted Profitable Agreements Made

1448

In 1448, the Portuguese made contact with an increased number of Moorish and Africa Chiefs all along the West Coast of Africa, leading to commercial slave trades taking place, as both sides turned a profit. This was enhanced by Portuguese explorers like Joao Fernandes. João Fernandes. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joao-Fernandes

Slavery is Introduced to the New World

1502

In 1502, Haiti became the first New World location to be introduced to the Atlantic Slave Trade, as Africans were transported in mass amounts to the coast by the Spanish for work, aided by people like the current Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel. Slavery in Haiti. (2020, November 17). Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_Haiti

The English Join the Slave Trade

1562

in 1562, a sailor and, most notably, naval commander by the name of John Hawkins led his men to the first English Slave-Trade expedition. This played a crucial role in the future of the trade, as he was a major advocate for the economic benefits it would provide for England. Cook, N. (2011, February 17). History - British History in depth: The Business of Enslavement. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/abolition/slavery_business_gallery_11.shtml

The French Join the Slave Trade

1642

In 1642, French King Louis XIII gave permission for his men to on expeditions of their own, making France another huge contributor as well as profitable nation to indulge in the Atlantic Slave Trade, also becoming known as the Triangle Trade for their inclusion in America. French Slave Trade. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2020, from http://slaveryandremembrance.org/articles/article/?id=A0097

The Royal African Company is Founded

1672

in 1672, the Royal African Company was founded, an English company that was run by wealthy nobles and merchants and focussed on the trade of Slaves in the Triangle Trade. It boosted commerce for the upper class and transported thousands of slaves a year. Museum of London. (2019, August 09). The story of William Sessarakoo. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/discover/william-sessarakoo-royal-african-docklands

The British Leave the Slave Trade, Sparking the End of an Era

1807

After the creation of the African Royal Company, the economy all over the globe due to the Atlantic Slave Trade was boosted for decades to come. It was for the better part of the century that this occurred until wars and protests began to break out and rebellions became too common for Europe to continue. British Parliament finally prohibited the trade in 1807, and more nations globally followed suit soon after.

The Coolie Trade Begins

1840

After the Triangle Trade and slavery as a whole began to heavily decline, the need for cheap labor became incredibly important. The answer was the Coolie trade, the use of Asain contract workers that were often forced into work for little pay, spreading this idea of indentured servitude that would continue for decades to come following the end of African slavery. Chinese Coolies - 苦力 Kǔ lì. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.chinasage.info/chinese-coolies.htm