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1442
Portugal enslaves the Berbers.
As the Portuguese Empire gained parts of West Africa they realized the potential of slave labor. The initial voyage to initially obtain trading cargo turned into a small raid of Berber people. After being presented to Henry of Portugal, the prospect of a large scale trade was too tempting and slave trading was ordered to begin. -
1448
Portugal makes slave trade agreements with Moorish and African chiefs.
João Fernandes, a Portuguese explorer, explores the Rio de Oro and learns the source of slaves within African culture. After allowing an African trader to travel to Portugal, they stopped raiding West Africa. This sealed a deal between the two entities, peace for commerce in slavery. -
1482
Portuguese build first slave-trade post at Elmina, Gold Coast
Now known as Elmina Castle, this post served as the location to hold slaves after being bought from the tribes. This was significant, now slaves would be traded with increased order. The slave trade had the capacity to grow under higher demand, they had the facilities. This location also served as its independent European state. -
1500
Brazil is Colonized
After the Pope had made an official decision dividing the New World to the Spanish and Portuguese (the most loyal Catholic followers) the plantations needed labor. Natives were exhausted quickly by European disease, malnutrition and intense labor; African slaves would see a huge increase in importation.With Portugal being at the epicenter of African slave trading they were easily able to obtain the needed labor force. -
1502
Slavery begins in Hispaniola.
After Amerindians proved insufficient, Spain ordered the governor of Hispaniola to start buying slaves for plantations. These slaves were seen as Spanish servants and had to know God and were to never be mixed with Moorish slaves (Muslim slaves) or any type of non-catholic people. -
1562
John Hawkins leads first English slave expedition.
England having realized the large profit potential from slave trading sent their own ship to purchase and sell slaves in St Domingo. But, among the large profit from slaves, the African goods (ivory, dyes, spice) were too tempting to not exploit. The English government enacted charters that allowed settlements in West Africa. The New Laws of 1542, which decreased enslavement of the West Indies natives, were what led to this expedition as it created greater need for labor in the New World. -
French involvement in slave trade begins.
Louis XIII wishing to gain wealth and power for France begins slave trade involvement. This involvement helped create some of the wealth that would help Louis XIV remain protected when the Fronde threatened his throne. France's involvement in the Triangle Trade helped maintain their interest in the New World. -
Slave Trade Act 1807
An English Parliament led by the "Saints" (a quaker-like abolitionist faction) eventually put through the Slave Trade Act eliminating the slave trade within the English Empire. This was a thing of morals not for some economic gain. Parliamentary actions eventually created a wave across Europe that inspired abolition. France followed in 1823 by prohibiting French ships from transporting slaves in certain parts of the world.
