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Transatlantic Slave Trade

Definition

The Transatlantic Slave Trade was a system of commerce between Europe, Africa, and the Americas that involved capturing African people for enslavement and transporting them across the Atlantic Ocean for sale in markets primarily in North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Analogy

Think of it like a triangular trade route with one side representing Europe selling goods (like guns) to Africa; another side representing Africa selling enslaved individuals to America; and finally, America producing raw materials (like sugar) that would be sold back in Europe.

Related terms

Triangular Trade: A three-way trading system during colonial times involving Europe, Africa, and the Americas where goods including slaves were exchanged.

Abolitionist Movement: A social and political campaign aimed at ending slavery around the world during 18th and 19th centuries.

Chattel Slavery: A form of slavery where enslaved individuals are considered the property of their owners and can be bought, sold, or inherited as commodities.