- High Demand for enslaved labor in the Americas led to the Middle passage.
- Europeans had a severe labor shortage in their New World colonies, which is why they turned to Africa for enslaved labor. As sugar and cotton plantations began to boom, the demand increased even more, resulting in the transportation of millions enslaved Africans across the Atlantic.
Economic incentives for slave traders:
- The Middle passage was driven by economic incentives for slave traders and European nations involved in the trade. The promise of significant financial gains led them to risk the dangers and moral implications associated with the slave trade.
Colonial Expansion and Mercantilism:
- The Middle passage was part of a broader process of European colonial expansion and mercantilism. European powers sought to control trade and resources in the New World, and enslaved Africans played a crucial role in maintaining their economic interests and building their colonies.
Lack of Regulation and International Norms:
- In the early modern period, there were no international norms or laws to regulate the treatment of enslaved Africans during the Middle passage. European countries generally prioritized economic benefits over humanitarian concerns, resulting in the horrific conditions and human rights violations that characterized the transatlantic slave trade.