Beyond Blame: Reassessing Africa's Role in the Atlantic Slave Trade

 

I had an interesting comment on a recent video I wanted to address. Should Africa be held accountable for its role in the Atlantic Slave Trade due to the involvement of some African entities in selling slaves? This question often arises in discussions about the slave trade, but it typically lacks a thorough historical analysis. 

 The Diversity of African Societies

 

• The African continent during the slave trade era was not a homogeneous (same kind) entity. It was a mosaic of different kingdoms, communities, and societies, each with unique political and social structures (Journal of World History, 2018).
• The internal African slave systems were vastly different from the Atlantic Slave Trade and were often based on other principles, such as kinship, debt, or punishment for crimes (Lovejoy, 2012).

 
 

European Impact and Power Dynamics

 

• The arrival and involvement of Europeans in Africa fundamentally changed the nature of slavery on the continent. The European demand for slaves and their introduction of firearms escalated conflicts and disrupted traditional African societies (Rodney, 1972; Inikori, 1982).
• Many African leaders were coerced or manipulated into participating in the slave trade, often under threat of violence or invasion (Journal of World History, 2018).

 

Historical and Ethical Context

 

 

• The ethical norms and human rights concepts we understand today were not universally recognized during the slave trade era. This historical context is crucial when evaluating the actions and decisions of past societies (Thornton, 1998).
• Assigning collective responsibility to Africa for the slave trade overlooks the significant role played by European traders and colonial powers and the varied responses of African societies to European incursions (Journal of World History, 2018).

 

The notion that Africa as a continent should bear responsibility for the Atlantic Slave Trade is an oversimplification of a complex historical phenomenon. The involvement of some African entities in the slave trade must be understood within the broader context of European intervention, diverse African sociopolitical structures, and historical ethical norms. This more comprehensive view fosters a balanced understanding of the past.

 

References:

"Journal of World History." (2018). Journal of World History, 29(1).
                             https://www.jstor.org/journal/jworldhistory
Inikori, J. E. (1982). Forced Migration: The Impact of the Export Slave Trade on African Societies. Hutchinson.
Lovejoy, P. E. (2012). Transformations in Slavery: A History of Slavery in Africa. Cambridge University Press.https://assets.cambridge.org/97805211/76187/frontmatter/9780521176187_frontmatter.pdf
Rodney, W. (1972). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Bogle-L'Ouverture Publications.
                   https://abahlali.org/files/3295358-walter-rodney.pdf
Thornton, J. K. (1998). Africa and Africans in Making the Atlantic World, 1400-1800. Cambridge University Press.