When did slavery begin in West African
History
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The practice of slavery in West Africa predates the arrival of Europeans. It existed in various forms within indigenous West African societies long before the transatlantic slave trade began.
- Indigenous Slavery: This form of slavery often involved captives of war, criminals, or individuals who fell into debt. Enslaved people in these systems typically had some rights, could often assimilate into the owner's family or community over time, and their status was not always hereditary.
- Transatlantic Slave Trade: The arrival of Europeans, particularly the Portuguese in the 15th century, marked a significant shift. The demand for labor on plantations in the Americas led to a massive increase in the scale and brutality of slavery. This transatlantic trade, which lasted for centuries, involved the forced migration of millions of Africans and had devastating social, economic, and demographic impacts on West Africa.
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