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1542
New Laws of 1542
Prior to the use of Africans as slaves, the Spanish used Native Americans as slaves in their colonies in the new world. However, there was increased advocacy against the enslavement of Native Americans. The New Laws of 1542 set many regulations of slavery of the natives and discouraged it all together. As a result, there was an increased need for other slaves. This led to the increase in use of African slaves and in turn increased the use of the transatlantic slave trade. -
Establishment of colony at Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
In 1652, the Dutch founded the Cape Town colony at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. This colony proved to be vital to the success and size of the transatlantic slave trade. Here many enslaved Africans would be brought to this colony to be shipped out to the Americas. European powers would send slaves from here to their colonies in the Americas or trade with the United States. The Dutch were able to have great economic gain from this colony and have a large influence in the slave trade. -
Britain Captures Jamaica
In 1665, Jamaica which was previously occupied by Spain was taken over by British forces. This results increased tensions between England and France that hurt trade and further provoked the Anglo-Spanish War. Additionally, when Britain captures Jamaica, several slaves escaped to the high lands. These free slaves would later go to war with Britain in the Maroon Wars. The economic gains that Britain received from capturing Jamaica did come at a cost. -
Founding of The Royal African Company
This was a trading company that was chartered by England. This company was created by the Stuart family to allow for merchants to trade of the western coast of Africa and transport slaves to Virginia, Barbados, and Jamaica. This company allowed for England to monopolize the slave trade in the late 17th century. The establishment of this company is significant to the large number of slaves in the Americas and the profit that Europe gained from them. -
Louis XIV's imposition of Black Codes
In 1685, France's king Louis XIV established the Code Noir, which were a series of black codes. The codes were used in Frances colonies and were meant to weaken any power or rights a slave might have. These codes stated that slaves were not humans. By creating these codes, it showed the normalization of the transatlantic slave trade and the view of slaves as property and workers rather than individuals. -
Start of Maroon Wars
The transatlantic slave trade resulted in a large number of slaves in Jamaica. The Maroon Wars were fought between the British who had power in Jamaica and Maroons who were runaway and free slaves. These wars were very strenuous and the Maroons used guerrilla warfare which surprised the British. The wars lasted for 14 years and resulted in the Maroons maintaining their freedom. However, they were required to turn in other runaway slaves. These wars are what inspired the Haitian Revolution. -
'Life of Olaudah Equiano' published
'Life of Olaudah Equiano' was a book written by a former slave. He exposed many of the horrors of slavery and the extreme extent of mistreatment that slaves encounter. This autobiography both documented and advocated against slavery. It shared a personal account of being involved in the transatlantic slave trade and exposed the corruption of the system. This book led to an outrage in people across Europe and increased resistance to slavery. -
Start of the Haitian Revolution
Many slaves that were transported during the transatlantic slave trade were sent to Haiti. Their continual mistreatment led to a slave uprising in Santos Domingo, a French West Indian colony. This revolution lasted 13 years and resulted in overthrow of French rule in Haiti. Following the Revolution, the first black government in the western hemisphere was set up. Additionally they were democratic and against slavery that had once controlled their country. They built an economy without slaves. -
Creation of Pinckney's Treaty
This treaty, also known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo established a friendship between the United States and Spain. This treaty helped increase their trade between the countries, but also increase Spain's efficiency with the slave trade. Prior to this treaty there was tension at the border of Spain's territory and America. This treaty eased the tension and allowed for Spain to import slaves and export products with greater ease. -
The transatlantic slave trade is abolished by British Parliament
After several hundred years of trading slaves and goods through the transatlantic slave trade, British Parliament abolished its use. This event occurred after increase resistance and advocacy for the rights of slaves. This made it illegal to buy, sell, or trade slaves. However, it was still legal to own slaves if you already had them. This was a major step in abolishing slavery all together in Britain and creating an economy not based on slaves. -
Amistad Rebellion
The Amistad slave rebellion took place on a Spanish slave ship heading to the Americas. The slaves of this ship were being abused through whippings, starvation, having salt put in their wounds, and much more. This was typical to the treatment of slaves. The slaves of La Amistad however, decided to rebel. They picked their locks, broke free, and took control of the ship. They were eventually caught by Americans and after a trial granted freedom. This event helped end slave trading all together.
