History of South America

What was the main cause of slave trade and why?

The main cause of slave trade was economic. Slave labor was a cheap way to produce goods and services, and it was used extensively in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Here are some of the specific reasons why slave trade was so profitable:

* Slaves could be bought and sold for a relatively low price. This was especially true in Africa, where slaves were often captured in wars or raids and then sold to European slave traders.

* Slaves could be forced to work long hours for little or no pay. This made them a very profitable investment for plantation owners, mine owners, and other employers.

* Slaves were often denied basic rights, such as the right to own property or to sue in court. This made it difficult for them to escape from slavery.

Slave trade had a devastating impact on Africa. It is estimated that up to 12 million Africans were enslaved and shipped to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. This led to a decline in population and a loss of cultural heritage in many African societies.

Slave trade also had a negative impact on the Americas. It created a system of racial discrimination and inequality that persists to this day.