Why were Africans the primary group singled out of slavery instead any other eastern hemisphere group?

It's important to acknowledge the historical context and multiple factors that led to the transatlantic slave trade, in which Africans were disproportionately targeted for enslavement. While it's true that various groups have been subjected to slavery throughout history, the transatlantic slave trade had specific drivers and rationalizations.

1. Racial Ideology: The development of racist ideologies and the concept of racial superiority played a crucial role in justifying the enslavement of Africans. Europeans used pseudo-scientific theories to falsely portray Africans as inferior and closer to animals than other ethnic groups. This ideology, rooted in prejudice, was used to rationalize the dehumanization and exploitation of Africans.

2. Economic Incentives: The transatlantic slave trade was driven by economic interests. The demand for cheap labor in the Americas, particularly in plantation economies, motivated European powers to engage in large-scale slave trade. African slaves were seen as a source of free labor, and their forced labor generated substantial profits for European merchants, slave traders, and plantation owners.

3. Geographic Proximity: The geographic location of Africa played a role in its targeting for enslavement. European powers had easier access to Africa compared to other regions like East Asia or the Middle East. The proximity facilitated the transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas and made the slave trade a relatively low-cost operation.

4. Political Fragmentation: The political fragmentation of Africa at the time made it easier for European powers to exploit and dominate various African societies. The lack of unified resistance and the existence of competing African kingdoms and ethnic groups limited their ability to effectively oppose the slave trade.

5. European Expansion and Imperialism: The age of exploration and European imperialism created an environment conducive to the transatlantic slave trade. European nations sought to establish colonies and expand their empires, and the forced migration of African slaves served as a means to achieve these goals.

It's crucial to recognize that the transatlantic slave trade was not a consequence of African inferiority or inherent weakness but rather a product of historical circumstances, economic motivations, and the prevailing racist ideologies of the time. The slave trade was driven by greed, exploitation, and deeply rooted prejudices that justified the unjust and inhumane treatment of African individuals and communities.