Royal African Company

Definition

The Royal African Company was a trading company established in 1660 in England, granted a monopoly on the trade of enslaved Africans to the British colonies in America. This company played a vital role in the establishment and expansion of slavery in the Chesapeake region, as it facilitated the transportation of a significant number of enslaved people from West Africa to the Americas, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Royal African Company was established by a charter from King Charles II and aimed to capitalize on the lucrative trade of enslaved Africans.
2. At its peak, the Royal African Company was responsible for transporting thousands of enslaved Africans each year to the British colonies, significantly impacting the demographics and economy of the Chesapeake region.
3. The company operated until 1731 when it lost its monopoly on the slave trade, leading to increased competition among traders and ultimately a rise in the number of enslaved Africans imported.
4. The profits from the Royal African Company's operations contributed to the wealth of many British merchants and fueled economic growth in England.
5. The company's involvement in the slave trade led to lasting social and economic implications for both Africa and America, influencing colonial labor systems and racial dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Royal African Company impact the development of slavery in the Chesapeake region?
  • The Royal African Company significantly impacted slavery's development in the Chesapeake region by establishing a systematic approach to transporting enslaved Africans. The company's monopoly on this trade facilitated a steady supply of laborers needed for tobacco cultivation, which was central to the region's economy. As more enslaved individuals were brought in through this company, slavery became deeply entrenched as an institution in Chesapeake society.
• Evaluate how the Royal African Company's monopoly affected competition and practices within the transatlantic slave trade.
  • The Royal African Company's monopoly initially limited competition in the transatlantic slave trade, allowing it to control prices and practices for several decades. However, after losing its monopoly in 1731, other traders entered the market, leading to increased competition. This shift resulted in greater numbers of enslaved Africans being transported and often harsher conditions aboard slave ships as traders sought to maximize profits by cutting costs.
• Synthesize how the operations of the Royal African Company influenced economic growth in both Britain and its colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • The operations of the Royal African Company had a profound influence on economic growth in Britain and its colonies by creating a profitable system centered around slavery. The wealth generated from the slave trade fueled Britain's economy through increased trade, investment opportunities, and growth in industries linked to plantation agriculture. In turn, this economic foundation solidified colonial economies reliant on enslaved labor, deepening both social inequalities and racial hierarchies that would persist long after slavery was abolished.

Related terms

Triangular Trade: A historical trade system that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of goods, enslaved people, and raw materials.

Middle Passage:

The sea route taken by slave ships from West Africa to the Americas, notorious for its brutal conditions endured by enslaved Africans during transport.

Slave Codes: Laws enacted in colonial America that defined the status of enslaved individuals and the rights of masters, often enforcing harsh control over enslaved populations.