Increased demand: As European powers established colonies and plantations in the Americas, the demand for enslaved labor increased significantly. The increased contact with Africa facilitated the transatlantic slave trade, as African slaves were seen as a cheap and readily available source of labor for these colonies.
Trade networks: The increased contact with other parts of the world led to the establishment of trade networks between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These networks facilitated the transportation and sale of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean. European traders would bring goods such as firearms, cloth, and alcohol to Africa to exchange for enslaved people, who were then transported to the Americas.
Rise of slave trading states: The increased demand for enslaved Africans led to the rise of powerful slave trading states in Africa. These states, such as the Kingdom of Kongo, the Oyo Empire, and the Asante Kingdom, played a central role in capturing, selling, and transporting enslaved people to European traders.
Competition between European powers: The increased competition among European powers for access to enslaved Africans led to conflicts and wars in Africa. European powers often armed and supported different African factions in order to gain control over the slave trade. This further destabilized African societies and contributed to the continuation of the slave trade.
Depopulation and social disruption: The massive scale of the transatlantic slave trade led to significant depopulation and social disruption in many parts of Africa. The loss of able-bodied men and women to slavery weakened communities, undermined traditional economies, and contributed to political instability.
Spread of diseases: The increased contact between Africa and other parts of the world also led to the spread of diseases, such as smallpox, measles, and yellow fever, which had devastating effects on African populations. These diseases further weakened African societies and made them more vulnerable to the slave trade.